(PR.co.nz) Tracey Tawhiao, a rising star of New Zealand Arts with exhibitions nation wide and Internationally has allowed her significant piece ‘Like Water’ to be on loan to the Taupo District Council.
The 2.5m x 1.8m piece now dominates the entrance and reception of the Taupo Council Administration Buildings at Lake Terrace.
Taupo District Councillor Nicola Williams was responsible for the quick and successful brokering of the deal involving Operational Services Manager Gareth Green and Museum Curator Eleazar Bramley with representatives for Tawhiao.
Local arts collective th’ink with Eleazar Bramley had installed the piece in the recent Matariki Exhibitions. Bramley realised that the artwork had a significant importance to the region and set to try and retain it.
Bramley and th’ink approached Councillor Williams who quickly involved Gareth Green.
Mr Green immediately appreciated the cultural and artistic importance of the work and offered the place where it now hangs.
“Councilor Williams heard that the art was significant to the region as it is a specific piece that is now in the school curriculum of art studies and we were motivated to keep it in the region as it has Tuwharetoa connections” says Audrey Holyoake, th’ink media Director, “we had to convince Tracey that the piece was important here and we needed to get it hung in a public place where children could get access to it.” The artwork was due to be exhibited in the Cloud in Auckland for the Rugby World Cup. “We thank Councillor Williams – though we have come to expect such support from her when it comes to fine arts in Taupo.”
There are hopes that Like Water will sell locally and remain on public display.
“We are seeking corporate funding and fundraising to secure the piece so it may remain at the Council in one of its venues” continues Audrey.
Ferner Galleries, Agent for Tawhiao valued the piece at $15,000.
Tawhiao features in exhibits at the Cloud in Auckland for RWC and Paris, France in November.
Taupo Museum have secured a solo exhibition for April 2012.