Stories behind the portraits – in New Zealand Sign Language

Curator Historical New Zealand Art Rebecca Rice and Curator Mātauranga Māori Matariki Williams tell NZSL Presenter Theresa Cooper about four of the artworks on the portrait wall in Tūrangawaewae: Art and New Zealand.

Te Umukohukohu pūtātara

“Taonga puoro allows us to signify to visitors that they will be encountering a wall that depicts contended histories.”

Matariki Williams talks about Te Umukohukohu pūtātara:

Te Umukohukohu pūtātara on Collections Online

Portrait of D.K. Richmond

“This year marks 125 years of suffrage in New Zealand. It’s a good a time profile notable women from our history who, in their quiet way, contributed to the culture of this place.”

Rebecca Rice talks about Norman Garstin, Portrait of D.K. Richmond:

Portrait of D.K. Richmond on Collections Online

Carved mirror frame

“The mirrors highlight that the stories on the wall have contemporary resonance.”

Matariki Williams talks about Tene Waitere, Carved mirror frame:

Carved mirror frame on Collections Online

Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea [Ra‘iātea], one of the Society Isles

“Poetua appears serene, but this painting actually had its origins in an early clash of cultures.”

Rebecca Rice talks about John Webber, Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea [Ra‘iātea], one of the Society Isles:

Poedua [Poetua], daughter of Oreo, chief of Ulaietea [Ra‘iātea], one of the Society Isles on Collections Online

Thanks to Theresa Cooper, NZ Sign Language Presenter and Ginette Harborne, NZ Sign Language Interpreter.

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