Exploring Identity and Connection: Alexis Neal and Peata Larkin Discuss 'Whaka-aho', Their New Exhibition at Toi Tauranga
The art practices of Peata Larkin (Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Alexis Neal (Ngāti Awa/Te Ātiawa) intersect through their ancestral connections to weaving. Whaka-aho (connecting threads) is a joint exhibition of works that ignite shared conversations between the artists’ personal developments and influences, celebrating weaving structures that explore a sense of identity.
The backbone of Alexis’ practice is printmaking, incorporated with raranga (weaving), which pushes the print medium into three dimensions. Peata’s work operates in a space between binary constructions (Māori/Pākehā, past/present, art/science, matter/ spirit) and spheres of knowledge, pieced together into new, hybrid forms of painting and weaving.
Tauranga Art Gallery’s Senior Curator Serena Bentley chats to the two artists about the show:
S: How did you two meet?
A: We first meet at an opening at Corban Estate Gallery in Henderson where we were both part of a group Matariki show. Later Peata enrolled in one of my term printmaking classes at the Browne School of Art, and it was from there we started talking about collaboratively exhibiting together.
S: Raranga (weaving) is central to your work; can you elaborate on your relationship with this medium?
A: I have always been drawn to anything woven, technically always seeking out new skills, so I guess it was evitable that I started introducing a woven component into my practice. Like anyone I started with the basics, and it grew from there slowly teaching myself more advanced raranga/whatu techniques as I developed new bodies of work. It is addictive and it suits my personality, I love the repetitive nature of weaving not unlike printmaking, it seemed the perfect marriage.