Exhibitions
Events
On display
Poorman, Beggarman, Thief (Poorman) by Michael Parekowhai
Michael Parekowhai Poorman, Beggarman, Thief (Poorman) 1996 Fibreglass mannequin with black tie, dinner suit and name tag. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased with the support of Christchurch City Council's Challenge Grant to the Christchurch Art Gallery Trust, 2011
Art Bite
Past event
Meet in the exhibition
Join volunteer guide Stephanie Beth as she discusses Michael Parekowhai's Poorman, Beggarman, Thief (Poorman) in Te Wheke: Pathways Across Oceania on the first floor.
Art Bites are 30-minute lunchtime presentations on a single work on display, presented by our staff, guides and guest speakers.
There's a new Art Bite to enjoy each Friday at 12 noon (except during public and school holidays).
Related reading: Free event
Exhibition
Te Wheke: Pathways Across Oceania
30 May 2020 – 3 July 2022
Experience the Gallery’s collection from the perspective of our place in Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean.
Collection
Michael Parekowhai Poorman, Beggarman, Thief (Poorman)
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief – the old children’s counting game predicted the calibre of husband a girl might marry. Michael Parekōwhai selected the three least desirable options as the titles for three Māori mannequins in dinner suits, with Poorman shown here. The corporate name badge introducing him as ‘Hori’ – a racist slur used to denigrate Māori – suggests how such stereotypes are used to jam people into prescribed roles, regardless of their abilities or potential. Don’t be fooled by his still, synthetic smoothness though; Poorman is no dummy. He’s a shrewd reminder to check our preconceptions at the door.
(Dummies & Doppelgängers, 2 November 2024 – 23 March 2025)
