The Seer, the Seen, and the Seeing
Object NameInstallation
Artist
Te Rongo Kirkwood
(Māori (Wai o Hua, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Te Kauwerau a Maki, Ngapuhi, Taranaki), English, Scottish, born 1973)
Made FromGlass, Dyed Flax Fiber, Satin and Polyester Cord, Sand, Feathers, Zip Ties
Date2024
Place MadeNew Zealand, Auckland
TechniqueKiln-formed, blown, etched
SizeVariable
Accession Number2024.6.2
Credit Line38th Rakow Commission, purchased with funds from the Juliette K. and Leonard S. Rakow Endowment Fund
Curatorial Area(s)
Not On View
Physical DescriptionInstallation, "The Seer, the Seen, and the Seeing". Kiln-formed glass, dyed flax fiber, satin and polyester cord, black sand, black dyed feathers, zip ties. (a) Triangular cloak ("kakahu") constructed of eight rows of primarily matte black rectangular glass pieces with glossy black chevron decoration at tips. Each horizontal row contains three matching red rectangular pieces, creating a vertical line down the middle of the cloak. Glass is sewn on black fiber/cord with red horizontal lines throughout. Base of cloak terminates with black cord fringe and one strand of black feathers on red cord. Top of cloak bound with wide braid of black cord flanked on one side with row of black feathers; colorless and red glass pendant in the form of an open circle with four protrusions secured to center of top binding. (b) Globular black glass vase with short, slightly tapered neck; bottom two-thirds of vessel covered in light gray mottling. Vertical band of etched chevrons extend two-thirds down body of vessel from rim. Braided red cord with long strand including black feathers tied around neck. (c) Loose black sand. (d) Video component. Provenance
Source
Te Rongo Kirkwood
(Māori (Wai o Hua, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Te Kauwerau a Maki, Ngapuhi, Taranaki), English, Scottish, born 1973)
probably 1900
