Uku Rere is a survey of contemporary ceramics by makers Baye Riddell, Manos Nathan, Colleen Urlich, Wi Taepa and Paerau Corneal.

Objectspace is proud to present this ground-breaking exhibition in partnership with Toi Māori, developed and toured by Pataka. This exhibition showcases ceramics by the five principal members of Nga Kaihanga Uku: Baye Riddell, Manos Nathan, Colleen Urlich, Wi Taepa and Paerau Corneal. 

Nga Kaihanga Uku was created in 1986 by a group of Māori clay workers drawn together by the common desire to make artworks based on Kaupapa Māori. Nga Kaihanga Uku provided a co-operative network for artists working in the medium of clay. As Māori had no tradition of working creatively with clay, Nga Kaihanga Uku enabled artists to share knowledge and skills.

Uku Rere tells the story of Nga Kaihanga Uku from its beginnings and is the first major survey of contemporary Maori ceramicists. Viewers will gain insight into the practice of each individual ceramicist as well as how they connect with Nga Kaihanga Uku as a wider collective group.

Uku Rere will chart the creative progress of these dynamic members of the movement over the last 25 years and indicate some of their directions of future development.

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Public Programmes

Makers Discussion with Nigel Borrell

Saturday 7 March, 11am

A number of the makers represented in Uku Rere will be in conversation with Nigel Borrell, associate Curator Māori at Auckland Museum.

White Night Saturday 14 March, 6pm - Midnight

Objectspace will be open from 6pm for White Night, as part of the wider Auckland Arts Festival. Objectspace will be holding a programme of live poetry performances from contemporary Māori poets throughout the evening.

Moyra Elliot Talk Saturday 21 March, 11am

Leading ceramics writer Moyra Elliot will discuss the work of Māori ceramics practitioners and their place within contemporary New Zealand ceramics.