Michael Parekowhai: The Promised Land

The Promised Land, a major immersive exhibition by leading New Zealand artist Michael Parekowhai sees GOMA’s galleries transformed into a ‘memory palace’. 

Spanning some two decades of his photographic and sculptural artworks, The Promised Land features a mix of spectacular new works along with some of the Gallery’s own collections and some key loans.

GOMA visitors will already be familiar with his stunning (and at the time controversial) sculpture ‘The World Turns’, which was commissioned to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the gallery’s opening and it is this play on scale and space and use of humour to highlight the convergence of colonial histories, national narratives and pop culture that characterizes much of his work.

Major pieces to look out for in this exhibition include The Horn of Africa and the extraordinary He Kōrero Pūrākau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu: story of a New Zealand river – a red Steinway grand piano that was 10 years in the making and which was the central artwork at Parekowhai’s representation at the Venice Biennale 1991. (The Story of a New Zealand River was the name of a 1920s novel by Jane Manders. which in 1993 was translated into Jane Campion’s acclaimed film, The Piano.)

The Steinway is fully functional and on select Sundays* at GOMA an invited pianist will be playing it as visitors wander through the exhibition. The artist’s idea behind this is that once sound takes over and fills the room, the visual object, no matter how beautiful, takes a back seat to the auditory.

Opening Day Events:

11am Artist in Conversation – Hear the artist in conversation with curator of ‘The Promised Land’ Maud Page GOMA Cinematheque A

1pm Art collectors and ‘The Promised land’ publication contributors Jim and Mary Bar will be talking about their long-standing relationship with the artist’s work. GOMA Cinema B

2pm Designing the Spectacular – Join the artist and QAGOMA Design Manager Michael O’Sullivan in the heart of the exhibition as they provide insights into its ambitious inspiring design.

Need to know – Piano recitals are scheduled for 10-4 on Mar 29, Apr 26, May 24, Jun 21. Bookings essential. Ph: 3840 7144. Random pop-up recitals by Griffith Conservatorium students will also occur on select Wednesdays and Saturdays.