Tauranga City Council and Tauranga Art Gallery are proud to present internationally recognised, local multi-disciplinary artist, Graham Hoete (aka Mr G), in his first solo exhibition, Home.
The exhibition which opened this evening, is a celebration of Mr G’s identity, culture and place in Tauranga Moana that explores the theme of haukāinga (home) including his relationship and connection to local islands.
Taking around 10 months to complete, Mr G said he wanted to honor his home.
“This exhibition is an opportunity to honor Tauranga Moana, share some of the unique stories of Motiti and Matakana Islands, as well as touch on some of the social issues within Tauranga.”
The exhibition includes a portrait of his beloved grandparents spray painted on their actual shed on their homestead land at Matakana Island, which has been carefully deconstructed and reinstalled in the gallery. It will also feature G-series portraits – photo-realist, spray painted portraits, custom-shaped with carved references to that person’s whakapapa in the frames for the first time. Graham will also demonstrate his growing knowledge of whakairo (Māori carving) throughout the exhibition, learned from master carver Todd Couper.
Tauranga Mayor, Tenby Powell, said the exhibition was breathtaking in terms of Mr G’s ability and technique but the works also had a very humanistic appeal that would reach far beyond the gallery.
“On behalf of the people of Tauranga I would like to thank Mr G for the beautiful works he has created, actively making art in our city accessible to all and exploring themes common to all New Zealanders; family, home and identity. His hard work and pride in his heritage helps us to appreciate what we share, what connects us and what emboldens us to protect and cherish our home – Tauranga Moana.”
Tauranga Art Gallery Director, Alice Hutchison said the exhibition was the natural next step for Mr G.
“After doing murals the world over, Mr G’s personal journey and his draw to home and whanau bring him to a stage in his life and career where he is holding his very first public art gallery exhibition. Visitors will see a new side to this talented local artist.”
Tauranga City Council, General Manager Community Services, Gareth Wallis said Graham is one of Tauranga Moana’s taonga. His works, including the locally celebrated ‘Kaitiakitanga’ mural on Mauao’s water tank and the portrait of aviation hero Oscar Garden in the Tauranga Airport, add to the city’s increasing cultural richness and lead an appreciation of the past.
“Street art has wide appeal because it’s art for everyone. The genre very much has the power to take you by surprise and offer a fresh perspective, which is why we’re committed to celebrating Graham and it is council’s privilege to support him in his first solo exhibition.”
Graham Hoete, or ‘Mr G’, is best known for his large-scale, spray painted portraits in unexpected urban and rural settings, including the eight-metre high Prince portrait in Minnesota. Although Graham’s international profile has seen him accept commissions across the globe, his deep affection for his whanau and whenua have drawn him back to his birthplace for this inaugural exhibition.
The exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery, will run from 9 November 2019 to 9 February 2020. Admission is free.
Facebook: Mr G Hoete Art
Instagram: mrghoete.art