Mother of a Nation

- Dame Whina Cooper - Mike Cameron

Acrylic paint over carved mdf board with lacquer finish.

This exhibition is dedicated to creating a moment in time for the viewer, whether it be through a quote, a smell, a taste, or even music. These elements will evoke memories for many of us.

Travel and movement through the combining of cultures. I want my work to address the historical contexts of cultural travel and movement, including colonialism, imperialism, trade routes, globalisation and how these historical processes have shaped our contemporary cultural landscape and identities.

The paintings in this exhibition feature individuals who have inspired through their actions and quotes. Whether you agree or disagree with what they represent or have said, these figures have undeniably shaped the world as it is today.

I am grateful for permission from the whānau, the granddaughter in the painting and to use the image of Dame Whina Cooper, the Mother of the Nation. Dame Whina holds great mana for me, as she was a person who did so much not only for Māori but for all of New Zealand. She was a unifying figure who brought cultures together.

She believed that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed so that we could live as one nation in Aotearoa (1990). Called the Mother of the Nation, the Māori activist fought for the Māori to keep access to their land as well as for equal access to healthcare, housing, and education. At the age of 79, she led the famous land march from Te Hapua to Wellington, covering 1,100 km (680 miles).

I'm sure many New Zealanders would agree with Dame Whina's statement:

The seed I would like to plant in your heart is a vision of Aotearoa where all our people can live together in harmony and share the wisdom from each culture.

By emphasizing her legacy and vision, this work honours Dame Whina Cooper and her contributions to a unified and harmonious Aotearoa.

I hope you enjoy this exhibition, and gain something from it. Because, in the words of a very wise man “The closest thing to immortality is to share knowledge". ( Dalai Lama)

Dimensions

Width - 1200mm x Height - 1200mm