Pura Te Manihera McGregor – Whenua Ki Te Whenua is an intimate response to the life and legacy of Pura Te Manihera McGregor (1855-1920, Nga Poutama, Ngati Ruaka, Ngati Rangi), a mana wahine and prominent figure in the Whanganui community. An important part of Pura’s legacy was the bequest of her personal taonga, now housed by the Whanganui Regional Museum. This new body of work created by Wharehine-based artist Alexis Neal (Te Ati Awa) has it origins in Neal’s first encounter with these taonga during her time as Tylee Cottage artist-in-residence from July – November 2012 leading her to further research Pura and her life. Although an artist who engages primarily in print this show includes woven and carved pieces blending contemporary and traditional practices.

Alexis Neal Media Release