Drawing for Ian Wedde - Pathway to the Sea 1975

Editor: This piece is "Drawing for Ian Wedde - Pathway to the Sea" by Ralph Hotere, created in 1975 using ink. The long, vertical lines are striking, creating an impression of depth, maybe a barred gate… I'm intrigued by the artist's process here. What do you see in this work? Curator: For me, it's about considering how Hotere manipulated the materials, specifically the ink and paper. Notice the bleeding and running of the ink, almost fighting against the rigid geometry. It speaks to a tension between control and chance, deliberate design, and the inherent qualities of the material. Consider also the labor involved – the repetitive act of creating these lines, perhaps referencing the repetitive nature of industrial or agricultural work related to the sea. Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the labor aspect, but now I see those almost rhythmic lines as suggesting work. Does the social context of New Zealand in 1975 also play a role? Curator: Absolutely. We can think about Hotere as a Maori artist working in a post-colonial context, utilizing industrial materials and abstract forms. Was he perhaps subtly referencing the commodification of natural resources, like the sea itself? The materiality, then, becomes inherently political. How might our interpretation shift if he'd chosen another material? Editor: Interesting point! Maybe a less fluid medium would’ve conveyed a very different message about control and industry, obscuring those subtle references. Curator: Precisely. By examining the interaction between the artist's hand, the inherent properties of ink, and the historical moment, we gain a much deeper understanding of Hotere’s practice. Editor: I’ve definitely gained a deeper appreciation for this work. The connection between material and meaning is so compelling here. Curator: And hopefully, we've seen how focusing on process and materials can unlock layers of meaning in art, beyond just the surface.