Abstract:
The main objective of this thesis is to investigate relationships between Māori art exhibitions over the past sixty years – trends, criticality, influences, commonalities, and disparities. In doing so, this research aims to centre a contemporary Māori art historiography through exhibiting practice. This is presented through a series of exhibiting histories that aim to collectively sketch a Māori art exhibition typology that has developed over this time. This is based on press articles, catalogues, and critical reviews of Māori art exhibitions in conjunction with visual analysis. It positions the concept of the Māori art exhibition as an expression of kaupapa Māori, and as a legitimate and potent expression of mātauranga Māori involved in, connected to, and the result of wider social, political and cultural concerns and conversations.