Te Ahikāroa is a richly illustrated book that celebrates one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant public art collections. Taking a journey through 200 illustrated works from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection, this book explores the history of the institution, its unique place within Ōtepoti Dunedin, and the artists whose stories are gathered there.
Te Ahikāroa is the result of collaboration between the Gallery, mana whenua and other writers from around Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. A joint introduction by Director Cam McCracken, alongside Claire Kaahu White, Robert Sullivan and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe creates a foundation that places
Kāi Tahu values in relation to the journey of the Gallery since its establishment in 1884. Essays by curators Lauren Gutsell and Lucy Hammonds explore the history and vision of the Gallery, which was born out of an audacious ambition to connect Dunedin to the world through art and creativity. Each artwork in the book is brought to life by subject experts, who contribute new perspectives on everything from the most beloved historic artworks through to recently acquired contemporary works.
This publication brings together contributions from Ruth Buchanan, Komene Cassidy, Gina Cole, Sophie Davis, Edward Ellison, Lauren Gutsell, Lucy Hammonds, Rauhina Kohuwai-Banks, Moewai Marsh, Ngahiraka Mason, Sophie Matthiesson, Finn McCahon-Jones, Cam McCracken, Anna McLean, Olivia Meehan, Gerard O’Regan, Hana O’Regan, Joanna Osborne, Bridget Reweti, Anya Samarasinghe, Robert Sullivan, Taarati Taioroa, Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, Claire Kaahu White.