Aotearoa Liberators Exhibition in H-town

In Hamilton at the Waikato Museum, there is an amazing exhibition curated by Xavier de la Cueva Meade which I urge you all to see. I went to see this exhibition and was given a casual tour by the charasmatic artist/curator himself! I was blown away. (This picture was taken when a smaller version of the exhibition was shown at Havanas Institute of Design in Cuba).


Titled 'Aotearoa Liberators' Meade invited 12 artists to pick their favourite Aotearoa freedom fighter. Their designs were then printed in Havana, Cuba - paying homage to this accesible liberational forum of old. What results is a stellar kaupapa with portraits as diverse as Tane Mahuta, Eva Rickard, Te Kupu, Ralph Hotere and Rua Kenana - the posters look dope and are as eclectic as the artists invited to make them. Originally from Mexico the Raglan based Meade also tutors in art and intermedia at Wintec. I met Xavier at this years Spark Festival where lots of great artists, bright students and cool tutors (kia ora Lisa and Lauren!) got to share their ideas. I've had a choice week! Try and make it to the museum if you can.

Exhibition: Aotearoa Liberation Posters

12 posters representing freedom fighers of Aotearoa, designed by Aotearoa Contemporary Artists and printed at the legendary screenprint shop the ICAIC (Instituto Cubano de Arte E Industira Cinematografica) in Havana. Curated by Xavier de la Cueva Meade. featuring many major artists including Dion Hitchens, Leafa Wilson, Tessa Laird, Warren Olds, James Ormsby, Nicola Farquhar and more.

Venue: Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato - Marae Atea Space Level 3

Dates: Opens 19th July - Sept. 2008