Arpége Taratoa-Leaf - 22nd September-14 October 2017

Exhibition poster: Arpége Taratoa-Leaf, Photospace Gallery, Wellington New Zealand

Artist statement: 'Windows & Mirrors' = Arpége Tartoa-Leaf

The show consists of three series of works that each address different issues and ideas that have arisen through digital media, whilst also utilising the technologies in such a way that reflects the positive abilities it has to be engaging and interactive in ways that cannot be achieved through traditional mediums. Ultimately, viewers will engage with works that accentuate the 'shine' of digital media, and participate in the reflection of these issues that we are confronted with each day.

'Windows and mirrors' provides two very different forms of perception, both informative and subjective. A window is a mode of observation; it provides a unique intersection between the known and unknown, the tangible and the intangible – a moment of transparency. In contrast, a mirror is a reflective surface, one of brutal honesty, yet purely subjective to the eyes and mind of the beholder.

Likewise, these series of works aim to create windows and mirrors into the sense we have of reality. They provide opportunities to observe and reflect, to analyze what one observes and how it reflects on their own perceptions. The abilities of technologies today has created a unique, entrancing and dangerous blurring of worlds, resulting in the ultimate question of what reality is today. 'Windows and mirrors' analyses the growing effect of technology on our perception of reality and aura. Traditional ideas questioned the affect of technology on aura in art; however, due to the inundation of digital media that we experience on a day-to-day basis, enhancing our interaction with this realm, the question now lies in our perception of reality.
 
“In the cinema we are removed from the world and placed in a relaxed posture, but in close proximity to others. Both alone and surrounded, and seduced by the brilliance of the figures on the screen, we ‘slide down into {our} seats as if into a bed’, and enter into a hypnotic state of arousal that is both passive and aggressive.”
                                        - Stoneley (2007)

Artist info: Arpége Tartoa-Leaf

EDUCATION SUMMARY
2016 (current), Post Graduate Diploma Maori Visual Arts, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North.
2015, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), Elam School of Fine Arts, National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, Auckland University, Auckland.
2012 – 2014, Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Palmerston North.

AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2016, Graduation – Elam School of Fine Arts – Second Class Honours
2013, Massey University College of Social Sciences High Achievers Award (A Average)
2012, Bachelor of Maori Visual Arts Bursary (full fees)
2012, Highbury Scholarship (full fees and course related costs)
2012, Central Energy Trust Bursary (yearly installments to support course related costs)
2011, Awatapu College Art Award: presented to a student selected by the Art department
who shows promise in Fine Arts.
2011, Awatapu College High Achievers Bursary ($500 towards study)

PAST EXHIBITIONS
2015, Elam Graduate Show, Auckland University
2014, Matatau 2014, Geoff Wilson Gallery, North Tec: Tai Tokerau Wānanga, Whangarei
Campus, Whanagarei
2014, ARENA show 2014, Thievery Studio, Auckland
2014, Mata Aro Studio IIIA, Massey University, Palmerston North
2014, Mata Aro Studio IIIB, Massey University, Palmerston North
2013, Square Edge Art Gallery, Palmerston North
2013, Mata Oho Studi IIA, Massey university, Palmerston North
2013, Mata Oho Studi IIB, Massey university, Palmerston North
2012, Mata Puare Studio IA, Massey University, Palmerston North
2012, Mata Puare Studio IB, Massey University, Palmerston North

LINKS
http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/departments/school-of-maori-art-knowledge-and-education/about/events/events_home.cfm
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1404/S00151/visiting-contemporary-maori-art-exhibitionshows-the-way.htm