Māori Graphics

“To a large degree, the freedom that contemporary Māori art now enjoys came from the early acknowledgement that graphic arts are intrinsic to art and are as valid as woodcarving or other traditional disciplines. Māori painting has blossomed in many different directions — as one can see readily in comparing the styles of Sandy Adsett, Darcy Nicholas, June Northcroft Grant and Steve Gibbs. Gabrielle Belz, the renowned printmaker, is also an accomplished painter. These individuals have risen in stature as artists and as educators who teach their students to understand their culture and artistic traditions but also to find their own voices: the students are encouraged to become Māori artists but to consider the entire world as a possible influence.”

Excerpt from Manawa—Pacific Heartbeat