Whatu Manawa: Celebrating the Weaving of Matekino Lawless

Featuring beautifully woven kākahu, whāriki, and kete, The Dowse Art Museum’s latest exhibition, Whatu Manawa, celebrates the weaving of New Zealand treasure, Matekino Lawless QSM (Tainui), who marks her 92nd birthday on 18 February this year.

As the first solo exhibition for the Rotoiti-based weaver, originally shown at the Tauranga Art Gallery, Whatu Manawa honours her dedication to the art and tradition of raranga (weaving).

The exhibition includes an exquisite selection of Matekino’s signature works, chosen from an impressive collection of kākahu (cloaks), whāriki (mats) and kete (baskets) created between the 1980s and today.

The detailed pieces are made from native New Zealand plants such as harakeke (flax), pīngao and kiekie and use natural dyes such as paru; demonstrating her loyalty to the traditions of her craft.

“I attribute my knowledge of weaving to my kuia (female elders) who nurtured me during my childhood. They were a major contributing factor to the skills I have acquired, and I owe my approach to the art of weaving to their teachings.” - Matekino Lawless.

Developed and toured by Tauranga Art Gallery.
Principal Exhibition Partner: Holland Beckett Law.
Tour Partners: Creative New Zealand & Te Puni Kokiri.
Catalogue Partner: One Foundation.