THE GRANT LECTURE

In the lecture delivered by Grant he discussed with us about space and how form follows function. He also shared how each of his own collection of hand sculptured jugs had a particular style and personality. I found it interesting because each jug varied in form however each had the same function.

I found the Bauhaus Building appealing because it was crafted to combine "architecture, sculpture and painting in unity." The Bauhaus was crafted in 1919 by Walter Gropius along with the Wiemar Republic Movement. Sadly, the Nazi's saw its flat roof as "oriental and Jewish and was a hot bed for Bolshevism."

In the Auckland Art Gallery we explored a range of different works by numerous artists in their newly developed space. What I found unusual and functional about the building was that you could look in from the park because it sat level with the open space outside.

I found the glassed areas extended the space out to reflect and draw in light. It made me feel like it was inviting the world in to take a glimpse of what the gallery had to offer the public.

The form of the gallery was special as the building was built like a piece of art work, with its tall posts out the front of the building like Roman Pillars. I found that its function was to make the building unique and inviting to the public.

By placing artworks outside for the people to view it encourages people to interact with the artworks and sculptures. I was particularly drawn to the large red tree installation out the front lying down in a small pool of water. I found this out of the ordinary because when you get inside the gallery at the top of the stairs the view of the tree becomes more clear as though it's looking up at you.

In conclusion, I found the art gallery's form and function worked cohesively to add light and attract people to the gallery, while keeping the integrity of the artworks displayed.

TINO-RANGATIRA-TANGA!

Leilani's work "Tino Rangatira Tanga" represents the memory of her father as she documented his "Ta Moko", his time spent in hospital, then his final days onto the three days of his tangi. The inspiration behind Leilani's work "Tino Rangatira Tanga" is that her father Richard Kake who inspired her and believed in the talent that she possessed as an artist. He always encouraged her to pursue her art endeavours and by Leilani recording her father's "Ta Moko"it showed homage to the status of her father within her own identity.

I was inspired by the piece because I was able to relate closely to her sense of pride in her culture and whanau bond with her father. Her piece showcased the cultural importance of maori traditions as well as the power of whanau and concept of "aroha".

The part of the installation where Richard Kake is seen lying in the hospital bed, surrounded by his whanau who are singing to him, is a strong scene of sorrow and despair. It captured this strong maori figure in Leilani's life at a vulnerable time.

This scene brought to the forefront of my mind the personal experiences that I have had with my close maori relatives in those final minutes where the whanau sing to bring a sense of peace to the person who is passing. The singing also gives comfort to those who are left behind to mourn.

At the tangi of Leilani films the view from her father's side as he lay in the meeting house with Leilani next to him. She recorded the visitors that had come to send off her dad. This helped me understand and again links this piece had to life, death and the rebirth.

The key aspects that I engaged with are: at first her father receiving his sacred Ta Moko, second the passing of Leilani's father and the sorrow felt by her family, and finally the celebration shared of a great maori figure who impacted so much on Leilani's life.