John Pule: Hauaga (Arrivals)
The Auckland Art Gallery is the final venue in a nationwide tour, arranged by City Gallery Wellington, which brings some of Pule's major works back to his hometown.
Niuean-born Pule grew up and lives in Auckland. The exhibition surveys his career from one of its key turning points, in 1991, when he travelled back to Niue and reconnected with its traditional art of hiapo (barkcloth painting). The exhibition is curated by Gregory O'Brien and Aaron Lister.
A highlight of the exhibition is the inclusion of some of Pule's strongest works on paper, which include both image and text. These show Pule's equivalent strengths as a poet and painter, asking to be read as well as viewed.
His work has been included in exhibitions in Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Major collections are held at the Queensland Art Gallery and as far afield as the National Gallery of Scotland. In 2004, Pule was honoured with the prestigious Laureate Award from the Arts Foundation of New Zealand.
Since the mid-1980s, John Pule has explored performance, poetry, literature and painting, all drawing upon his Niuean culture but placed within a contemporary context. Today he is a prominent cultural figure within New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region, and plays a pivotal role in the presentation of contemporary Pacific culture.
17 December 2011 - 25 March 2012
Level 2
Free entry
A City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi touring exhibition
City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding support from the Wellington City Council.
National touring sponsor: Ernst & Young
Image: John Pule, Niniko lalolagi/Dazzling World, 2004, oil and ink on canvas, private collection
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland City
Member Profile
Auckland Art GalleryAuckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
History, heritage and culture are brought to life at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Founded in 1888, it remains New Zealand’s largest visual arts experience, with a collection numbering over 15,000 works. The main gallery building is now open after a comprehensive heritage restoration and expansion.
Explore a treasure trove of historic, modern and contemporary New Zealand art, as well as work by Māori and Pacific Island artists. International painting, sculpture and print collections range from 1376 to the present day.
The Gallery offers a lively calendar of talks, performances, film screenings and children's activities. Visit our website to see what’s on.
Choose from a range of free guided tours - organised group tours available by arrangement.
• Open daily 10am – 5pm (except Christmas Day)
• In the heart of Auckland City
• Wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs available free of charge
• Café and espresso bar
• Gallery shop offers quality souvenirs, books and unique art-inspired gifts
