Meet Natalie WiHongi: A Trailblazing Tech Entrepreneur

Who is Natalie Wihongi, and why is she important? Natalie Wihongi is a New Zealand artist, curator, and writer of Ngpuhi descent. She is known for her work in the field of contemporary Mori art, and she has played a significant role in promoting Mori art on the international stage.

Wihongi was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1963. She studied at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, and she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1985. After graduating, Wihongi worked as a curator at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tmaki, and she also taught at the Elam School of Fine Arts. In 1994, she co-founded the Mori art collective Te Wnanga o Aotearoa, and she served as its director until 2002.

Wihongi's work is often characterized by its use of traditional Mori motifs and symbols, and she often explores themes of identity, culture, and history in her work. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums around the world, and she has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Te Waka Toi Award in 2003.

Wihongi is a leading figure in the contemporary Mori art movement, and her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage. She is a passionate advocate for Mori culture, and she is committed to using her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.

Natalie Wihongi

Natalie Wihongi is a New Zealand artist, curator, and writer of Ngpuhi descent. She is known for her work in the field of contemporary Mori art, and she has played a significant role in promoting Mori art on the international stage.

• Artist: Wihongi is a talented artist who works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and photography.
• Curator: Wihongi has curated numerous exhibitions of Mori art, both in New Zealand and abroad.
• Writer: Wihongi has written extensively about Mori art and culture.
• Advocate: Wihongi is a passionate advocate for Mori culture, and she is committed to using her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.
• Educator: Wihongi has taught Mori art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
• Leader: Wihongi is a leader in the contemporary Mori art movement, and she has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage.

Wihongi's work is often characterized by its use of traditional Mori motifs and symbols, and she often explores themes of identity, culture, and history in her work. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums around the world, and she has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Te Waka Toi Award in 2003.

Wihongi is a role model for Mori artists and a respected figure in the international art world. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art and to promote understanding of Mori culture.

Artist

Natalie Wihongi is a highly accomplished artist who has made significant contributions to the field of contemporary Mori art. Her work is characterized by its use of traditional Mori motifs and symbols, and she often explores themes of identity, culture, and history in her work.

• Painting: Wihongi's paintings are often large-scale and colorful, and they often feature traditional Mori designs and patterns. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and they are held in the collections of many major museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tmaki and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
• Sculpture: Wihongi's sculptures are often made from traditional Mori materials, such as wood, stone, and bone. Her sculptures are often abstract, but they often reference traditional Mori forms and symbols. Wihongi's sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and they are held in the collections of many major museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tmaki and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
• Photography: Wihongi's photographs often explore themes of identity and culture. Her photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and they are held in the collections of many major museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tmaki and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Wihongi's work is a powerful expression of Mori culture and identity. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage, and it has inspired a new generation of Mori artists.

Curator

Natalie Wihongi is a highly respected curator who has played a significant role in promoting Mori art on the international stage. She has curated numerous exhibitions of Mori art, both in New Zealand and abroad, and her exhibitions have helped to raise the profile of Mori art and to increase understanding of Mori culture.

One of Wihongi's most notable exhibitions was "Toi Maori: The Art of New Zealand Maori," which she curated for the Asia Society in New York in 2003. This exhibition was the first major exhibition of Mori art in the United States, and it helped to introduce Mori art to a new audience. The exhibition featured a wide range of Mori art, from traditional carvings and weaving to contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Wihongi's curatorial work has had a profound impact on the development of Mori art. She has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage, and she has inspired a new generation of Mori artists. Her work has also helped to increase understanding of Mori culture, and it has played a significant role in promoting reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.

Wihongi's work as a curator is an important part of her overall contribution to the field of contemporary Mori art. Her exhibitions have helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage, and they have played a significant role in increasing understanding of Mori culture.

Writer

In addition to her work as an artist and curator, Natalie Wihongi is also a prolific writer. She has written extensively about Mori art and culture, and her writing has played a significant role in raising the profile of Mori art on the international stage.

• Academic research: Wihongi has written numerous academic articles and essays on Mori art and culture. Her research has helped to increase understanding of Mori art and its cultural significance.
• Exhibition catalogues: Wihongi has written catalogues for many of the exhibitions she has curated. These catalogues provide valuable insights into the artists and artworks featured in the exhibitions.
• Books: Wihongi has co-authored several books on Mori art and culture. These books provide a comprehensive overview of Mori art and its history.
• Public outreach: Wihongi has written articles and essays for a variety of public audiences. Her writing has helped to raise awareness of Mori art and culture among a wider audience.

Wihongi's writing is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Mori art and culture. Her writing is clear, concise, and informative, and it is accessible to a wide range of readers.

Advocate

Natalie Wihongi is a passionate advocate for Mori culture. She uses her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.

• Education: Wihongi teaches Mori art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland. She also gives lectures and workshops on Mori art and culture to a wide range of audiences.
• Community involvement: Wihongi is involved in a number of community organizations that promote Mori culture and reconciliation. She is a member of the Maori Arts Board of the Creative New Zealand Arts Council, and she is a trustee of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.
• Activism: Wihongi has spoken out against racism and discrimination against Mori people. She has also been involved in protests and campaigns for Mori rights.
• Role model: Wihongi is a role model for Mori artists and a respected figure in the international art world. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art and to promote understanding of Mori culture.

Wihongi's advocacy for Mori culture is an important part of her overall contribution to the field of contemporary Mori art. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage, and it has played a significant role in increasing understanding of Mori culture.

Educator

Natalie Wihongi's role as an educator is an important part of her overall contribution to the field of contemporary Maori art. She has taught Maori art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland for many years, and she has inspired a new generation of Maori artists.

• Teaching: Wihongi is a passionate and dedicated teacher who is committed to sharing her knowledge of Maori art with her students. She teaches a variety of courses on Maori art, including painting, sculpture, and photography. Her students benefit from her expertise in Maori art and her passion for teaching.
• Mentoring: Wihongi is also a mentor to many young Maori artists. She provides them with guidance and support, and she helps them to develop their artistic skills. Wihongi's mentoring has helped to launch the careers of many successful Maori artists.
• Advocacy: Wihongi uses her position as an educator to advocate for Maori art and culture. She speaks out against racism and discrimination against Maori people, and she promotes understanding and reconciliation between Maori and non-Maori.

Wihongi's work as an educator is an important part of her overall contribution to the field of contemporary Maori art. She is a role model for Maori artists, and she is committed to using her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Maori and non-Maori.

Leader

Natalie Wihongi is a leader in the contemporary Mori art movement. She is a talented artist, curator, writer, and educator. She has used her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori. Wihongi has played a significant role in raising the profile of Mori art on the international stage.

As a leader in the contemporary Mori art movement, Wihongi has:

• Curated numerous exhibitions of Mori art, both in New Zealand and abroad.
• Written extensively about Mori art and culture.
• Taught Mori art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
• Advocated for Mori art and culture through her work as an artist, curator, writer, and educator.

Wihongi's leadership in the contemporary Mori art movement has helped to:

• Raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage.
• Increase understanding of Mori culture.
• Promote reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.
• Inspire a new generation of Mori artists.

Wihongi's work as a leader in the contemporary Mori art movement is an important part of her overall contribution to the field of contemporary Maori art. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage, and it has played a significant role in increasing understanding of Mori culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Natalie Wihongi

Natalie Wihongi is a renowned contemporary Maori artist, curator, writer, and educator. Her work has played a significant role in raising the profile of Maori art on the international stage. Here are some frequently asked questions about Wihongi and her work:

Natalie Wihongi is best known for her work as a contemporary Maori artist. She is a talented artist who works in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, and photography. Her work is often characterized by its use of traditional Mori motifs and symbols, and she often explores themes of identity, culture, and history in her work.

Wihongi has curated numerous exhibitions of Mori art, both in New Zealand and abroad. She has also written extensively about Mori art and culture. In addition, Wihongi has taught Mori art at the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland. She is a passionate advocate for Mori art and culture, and she is committed to using her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori.

Wihongi's work is significant because it has helped to raise the profile of Mori art on the international stage. Her work has also helped to increase understanding of Mori culture and to promote reconciliation between Mori and non-Mori. Wihongi is a role model for Maori artists, and her work has inspired a new generation of Maori artists.

Wihongi's work is held in the collections of many major museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Her work has also been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.

There are a number of resources available to learn more about Wihongi and her work. You can visit her website, read her books and articles, or attend her exhibitions. You can also find information about Wihongi and her work in libraries and museums.

Natalie Wihongi is a significant figure in the contemporary Maori art movement. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Maori art on the international stage, and it has played a significant role in increasing understanding of Mori culture.

Conclusion

Natalie Wihongi is a leading figure in the contemporary Maori art movement. Her work has helped to raise the profile of Maori art on the international stage, and it has played a significant role in increasing understanding of Maori culture. Wihongi is a talented artist, curator, writer, and educator. She is a passionate advocate for Maori art and culture, and she is committed to using her art to promote understanding and reconciliation between Maori and non-Mori.

Wihongi's work is a powerful expression of Maori culture and identity. Her work has inspired a new generation of Maori artists, and it has helped to raise awareness of Maori art and culture among a wider audience. Wihongi is a role model for Maori artists, and her work is an important contribution to the field of contemporary Maori art.