Art markets are an important component of the art scene, both nationally and internationally, and the Maori Art Market is a regular feature every two years. For artists, art markets offer an opportunity for their work to be seen by a wider range of people, and a chance to mix and mingle with fellow artists and art dealers. For art dealers, exhibiting their most outstanding work at art markets provides a platform to both promote their existing ‘stable’ of artists (with a hope of increasing their profile … and their prices), and also to engage with new and upcoming artists.
In Aotearoa New Zealand the Maori Art Market first emerged in 2005, and has been held every two years in Wellington. By comparison, the Auckland Art Fair is pitched as the most important “international showcase” for artists from New Zealand, but some have queried the lack of Maori presence in their Fair, particularly given the fact that Auckland is the largest Pacific city in the world.
As such, the Maori Art Market is a critical platform for Maori artists in which they can celebrate being Maori producing Maori art.
Toi Iho were represented by Bob Jahnke and Sandy Adsett, who made a presentation supported by Christina Wirihana, about Toi Iho and its increasing importance in the art market, particularly given the fact that so many non-Maori constantly call on aspects of Maori art in their work for financial gain.
