B.

Small and virtually unpopulated by world standards, New Zealand has developed some internationally distinctive images, the best known of which is obviously the kiwi. Ironically however it took an Australian boot polish and a war in Europe for this bird to gain recognition at home and for its name to be applied to the residents of this land. Other national images or symbols have come from a wide variety of things like the Buzzy Bee, the silver fern and even the distinctive and irregular shape of the country itself.

Kiwiana looks at the images and objects which have shaped our national identity. Often we find, when travelling abroad, that it is the little things that are different, that are important signals that we are in a distant country. Kiwiana aims to highlight the unique, small and everyday objects which have been part of the development of a distinctly New Zealand culture and those which today can be claimed as truly 'kiwi'. There is also a strong element of nostalgia in looking at reminders of the way we looked, or the way things were.

Kiwiana was organised by the City Gallery Wellington, and is toured by Exhibitour with the support of the Queen Elizabeth ll Arts Council of New Zealand.

('Kiwiana', Bulletin, No.95, April/May 1995, p.2)

Exhibition number 578