item details
NameTena koe/Hei Konei ra
ProductionAreta Wilkinson; artist; 2005; New Zealand
Classificationjewellery, sculpture
MaterialsMonel (TM), gold alloy, glass, wood
Materials SummaryNickel alloy, gold, brass, glass, felt, wood
Techniquesjewellery making, sculpture techniques
DimensionsOverall: 195mm (width), 275mm (height)
Registration Number2007-0003-1/A-D to D-D
Credit linePurchased 2007
Overview
Examining identity
These two works are part of an autobiographical series called Wahine Kino by Areta Wilkinson – one of New Zealand's foremost Māori jewellers. In this series, Wilkinson uses her own silhouette to express aspects of herself and to explore ideas related to identity.
By displaying her image under glass bell jars, Wilkinson questions the way in which Māori and other indigenous cultures are studied and contained within museums and art galleries.
Wilkinson’s works are conceptual in nature, but they also retain a strong awareness of jewellery’s personal relationship with the wearer and intimate connection with the body.
This text was prepared for the Collecting Contemporary exhibition, February 2012.