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Museum of New Zealand

Te Papa Tongarewa

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ArtMahi Toi

Explore the work of artists and photographers such as Robin White, Tiffany Singh, Ans Westra, Matt Pine, Colin McCahon, Tony Fomison, and Rita Angus, through videos, podcasts, and in-depth articles. Find out about favourite art works from our curators, or see what is in our collections.

Each section below will open up to reveal more to explore.

  • A large artwork filled with clouds of olive green and black paint. Adding to the surreal cloudscape are small, detailed drawings of decapitated birds’ heads, mountains, fantastical creatures and circular hiapo motifs that create small pockets of narrative.

    Toi Art

    Fresh takes and new favourites. You’ll find them in Toi Art.

    Toi Art opened again on Saturday 14 June, with more opening up at the end of June – see what’s coming up!

    On now

    Sat 14 Jun

    Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

  • A man in a suit stands between stage lights and has an old-fashioned camera on a tripod next to him

    Studio portrait photography in Aotearoa New Zealand

    Studio portraits taken in a professional photographer’s studio – often making use of backdrops or props – were for formal, posed portraits, as well as informal, candid photographs of people, and sometimes their pets.

  • A brown and cream etching of a suited person with hands for a head that is casting a shadow of their portrait.

    Artist profiles

    Read about artists, photographers, and tohunga mahi toi and their works in our collection.

  • A three-seater sofa with two plants on the left and a light and microphone on the right. There is a table in the middle.

    Watch and read: Artist talks and interviews

    Watch Aotearoa New Zealand artists, ranging from contemporary jewellers to sculptors, designers, painters, photographers, and more, engage in discussions about their works and methods.

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    Watch: How to sign art words

    New Zealand Sign Language Presenter Theresa Cooper signs some helpful words to know when you’re talking about art.

  • Group of teenagers look at a painting hanging on a rack in the painting store room

    Art for children and young people

    Get them while they're young – art is not just for adults and rarified spaces. Read and listen to our tamariki and rangatahi responding to art.