Tony Fomison

Nga Toki Mate Whenua - Axes Felling Trees, Kill the Land

Nga Toki Mate Whenua - Axes Felling Trees, Kill the Land by Tony Fomison

Artwork Detail

The title of this painting, together with the almost mythical landscape, suggests a threatening narrative. The central figure adorned with a heru (comb) and gripping a toki (axe) is seemingly intent on one thing. Yet, is the figure fighting against the destruction of the land or does the painting depict resistance, or an altercation with those responsible for the felling of forests? (Te Moananui a Kiwa, 2005)

Title
Nga Toki Mate Whenua - Axes Felling Trees, Kill the Land
Artist/creator
Tony Fomison
Production date
1983
Medium
oil on hessian
Dimensions
804 x 1058 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, Chartwell Gift Collection, 2009
Accession no
2009/28/2
Other ID
C1994/1/101 Old Accession Number
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
New Zealand Art
Display status
Not on display

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