He Iwi Kotahi Tatou (We are one people)
Maker
Elizabeth Grainger
Production date
1974
Description
In this work Elizabeth Grainger (later Kyle) has interpreted aspects of the natural landscape of New Zealand and elements of traditional Maori art. The fluid lines reference features such as rivers, hills and mountains. While the influence of Maori customary arts is also evident, particularly the notched, overlapping lines often used in whakairo (carving) and kowhaiwhai (painted patterning), Grainger has created a painting that can be read in many different ways.
Elizabeth Grainger graduated from Elam Art School, University of Auckland, in 1972. Of European descent, Grainger was inspired by Maori traditions and created hundreds of paintings that referenced Maori motifs and iconography. She was supported by the carver, Tuti Tukaokao, who would often interpret and title Grainger's finished works. In 1983 her work took a radical turn following a near death experience. She shifted focus from her previous Maori content and began to explore her own ancestral connections, adopting celtic signs and symbols in her art. In the years since Grainger has referred to her artistic approach as Visionary Surrealism, a term described by Art Historian of the San Francisco Arts Commission, Michael Bell, as one of three types of surrealism, including also classical and social. Visionary Surrealism aspires to the highest ideals of humankind, being primarily about optimism and positivity but ultimately containing religious or spiritual content. Grainger is currently based in Australia where she practises her art under her married name of Elizabeth Kyle.
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Object detail
1265 x 1660mm (image)
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