The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award stands as a biennial competition, beckoning emerging Māori artists to express their creativity through portraits of their tuupuna (ancestors), spanning various artistic mediums.
Launched in August 2020, this award is hosted and administered by the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in honor of Kiingi Tuheitia. The 2023 exhibition unveils the brilliance of finalists and highly-commended works, showcasing a diverse array of artistic approaches and styles across different mediums.
For more details, visit www.nzportraitgallery.org.nz/kiingituheitiaaward.
**2023 Finalists:**
– Karaitiana Akroyd
– Hana Pera Aoake
– Lisa Awatere
– Tia Barrett
– Jamie Berry
– Annabel Bowen
– Emily Calvert
– Hikurangi Edwards
– Heramaahina Eketone
– Michelle Estall
– Bodie Friend
– Lima Gudgeon
– Aimee Guthrie
– Story Wetekia Hemi-Morehouse
– Stevei Houkamau
– Yara Hunt
– Anna Jepson
– Ngawini Keelan
– Michelle Hinekura Kerr
– Tia Kershaw
– Rosalie Koko
– Marie Kyle
– Ani Ligaliga
– Bobby Luke
– Tukaroto Mahuta
– Rangimoana Morgan
– Reuben Nicklin
– Keana Paerata
– Kate Parker
– Arini Poutu
– Robert Pritchard-Blunt
– Ming Ranginui
– Ngaroma Riley
– Makareta Tatare-Isaacs
– Trinity Thompson-Browne
– Maraea Timutimu
– Tukiri Tini
– Mohi Toko
– Jody Tupara
– Rīhari Warnock
– Rik Wilson
– Mele Siniva Williams
– Jessie Witeri
**2023 Judging Panel: **
– Steve Gibbs: A Māori researcher, artist, arts educator, and curator with a commitment to the development of contemporary Māori visual arts.
– G Hoete (Graham Hoete): An Māori multi-disciplinary, portrait artist recognized globally for visual storytelling through portraiture.
– Lisa Reihana: An artist of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāi Tūteauru, Ngāi Tupoto descent, renowned for her animations and video works.
Engage with the captivating stories and artistic expressions woven by these talented individuals in their portrayal of tuupuna, adding depth and diversity to the cultural tapestry.
