History Students Visit Pasifika Styles Exhibition at Cambridge

28/11/2006

Dr. Alessio of the history department arranged a trip for Richmond students – on November 9th, 2006 – to see the Pasifika Styles, an exhibition based in the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Students were escorted by one of the exhibition's co-curators, Dr. Amiria Henare.

The Pasifika celebrates New Zealand's Maori and Pacific Island culture and covers two gallery spaces. The first, put together with a more traditional view of anthropology. The second, a floor above, celebrating New Zealand's more contemporary artists.

Dr. Henare spoke candidly about the exhibition and fondly of the artists whose works she had helped showcase. A great many of the pieces exhibited seemed intent on breaking through any preconceived notions a viewer might have had, in regards to Maori and Pacific Island art.

Dr. Henare mentioned that some of the artists were concerned that their work would be exoticized by the exhibition, in a way that might obscure their context or do harm to the works' integrity. To put those fears to rest, the Pasifika Styles' curators worked meticulously with the artists to ensure their needs were being met.

The exhibition has turned out a stunning mix of treasured traditions and contemporary influences. It is opened to the public and worth the short day trip from Richmond to Cambridge.

Richmond News and Events would like to thank Mr. Johanan Sen (Richmond Student) for this news contribution.

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/173.aspx