Artist Profile
Maree Mills
Maree Mills (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) Maree joined Waikato Museum in 2017 as Poutiaki Whakataki, Curator Tangata Whenua, after authoring Auckland’s first regional Arts and Culture Strategy - Toi Whītiki. Prior to this she implemented a kaupapa Māori operating policy in the role of director and curator at Hastings City Art Gallery.
She has written in response to exhibitions nationally or at the request of artists, also publishing internationally in contemporary art and culture journals; Third Text and Public 54. Maree earlier lectured at the University of Waikato in media studies. Her own research and practice explored communication of ethereal and cosmological concepts inherent in a Māori world-view, from a female perspective.
Maree is a founding member of Ngā Aho and currently sits on Te Ohu Whakaita Trust promoting Matariki and growing Māori visibility in the Waikato. In her spare time she dreams about being a full time artist.
'Itten meets Menzies #6'
Artist: Maree Mills
Description: [Lino cut relief print on Fabriano paper]
This series refers to Swiss Bauhaus painter Johannes Itten (1888-1967) who contributed immensely to the study of colour (and who Roy often referred to). Itten was a standard reference for art teachers.
J.H Menzies (1839-1919) was a colonial farmer with an interest in carving. His recorded kowhaiwhai designs from Maaori meeting houses was published in 1910, and this book of Māori patterns has really had lasting impact.
Connection to Roy: I knew Roy during my term as Director of Hastings City Art Gallery. He was a regular visitor, hosting the U3A (University of the third Age) at most exhibitions.
I enjoyed his informative korero and always took the opportunity to hear him speak to this group. Roy and Maree attended openings and were both very supportive of me in the role.
The last time I saw Roy was while visiting Auckland Art Gallery and it was a delightful chance for a catch up. I know his parting will be deeply felt in the community. Moe mai ra Roy.
Maree Mills (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) joined Waikato Museum in 2017 as Poutiaki Whakataki, Curator Tangata Whenua, after authoring Auckland’s first regional Arts and Culture Strategy- Toi Whītiki. Prior to this she implemented a kaupapa Māori operating policy in the role of director and curator at Hastings City Art Gallery.
She has written in response to exhibitions nationally or at the request of artists, also publishing internationally in contemporary art and culture journals; Third Text and Public 54. Maree earlier lectured at the University of Waikato in media studies. Her own research and practice explored communication of ethereal and cosmological concepts inherent in a Māori world-view, from a female perspective.
Maree is a founding member of Ngā Aho and currently sits on Te Ohu Whakaita Trust promoting Matariki and growing Māori visibility in the Waikato. In her spare time she dreams about being a full time artist.
Size / dimentions: 500mm x 350mm
Media Type: Print
