Kiwa: Pacific Connections

“Kiwa — Pacific Connections” could not be complete without the honouring of the Maori by the artists and representatives from the Northwest Coast nations. The catalyst for this exhibition was to express the many cultural similarities, allegiances, and shared friendships that exist between the Maori and the people of the Northwest Coast. A number of Northwest Coast artists have visited Aoteaora (New Zealand) over the years and were enthusiastic in their desire to welcome the Kiwa exhibition to North America. The criteria suggested by the artists was to make the work inspired by their experiences with the Maori or based on the shared reality of living on the Pacific Rim.