George Henry The Black Hat (detail) 1904. Oil on canvas. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, presented by the Canterbury Society of Arts, 1932
Maker unknown Bilas, ceremonial headdress. Papua New Guinea. Bird heads, feathers, cordage and stick. Collection of Canterbury Museum 2005.84.1
This exhibition is now closed
The stories told by rare, extravagant – and even curiously ordinary – objects.
This unusual selection of objects has been handpicked by curators from both institutions. When brought together, these artefacts and artworks tell fascinating stories. They reveal much about how people lived and what they valued, sparking rich, relevant and sometimes challenging conversations. From navigational instruments, whaling-era relics and Chinese ancestor portraits, to extraordinary plumage, delicate watercolours and Edwardian showstoppers, this invigorating collaboration presents an array of expressive treasures. Like the elusive amokura bird and its coveted crimson trailing feathers, Ship Nails and Tail Feathers offers a rare and rich experience for all curious visitors.
A partnership project between Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and Canterbury Museum.
-
Date:
10 June – 23 October 2023 -
Location:
Ravenscar Gallery W A Sutton Gallery -
Curator:
Peter Vangioni, Ken Hall -
Exhibition number:
1147 -
In association with
Collection works in this exhibition
Related
Commentary
Verses and Visions of Ship Nails and Tail Feathers
The ways that we curate history can make all the difference in the ways we value each other now. As I round the corner on a decade spent working in heritage and curatorial collection management, my beloved museum wrapped in its gothic stone cloak is under decant. It seems the tide is always high, and my mind needs to revel in the freedom of writing in a foreign tongue about that which matters to me. So here is a collection of verses and visions, data and drama about art and artefacts intended to counter what I would describe as the lingering monocular view of histories and heritage material.