Polynesian edition by Peter Lendvai

Polynesian Edition

Limited edition graphic prints from New Zealand

Peter Lendvai

Peter Lendvai 021-041-8389 4/25 Ropata Crescent Boulcott, Lower Hutt 5010 lendvai_peter_g@yahoo.com www.polynesianedition.blogspot.com www.glass-art.hu

Polynesian Edition “Polynesian Edition� represents a collections of art works, mainly graphic which were influenced by the arts of New Zealand and the surrounding Pacific islands.

Being European I admire the rich visuality of the Pacific. I feel myself fortunate to have discovered Oceanic arts and cultures. As carving is the main form of expression on these islands, I have replicated this by hand carving my blocks to transfer both the image and feel onto the surface. As each work is steeped in layers of meaning, this catalogue is to guide you through this body of work. Please do enjoy.

Civilization/Colonization/Globalization

Usually the title of an artwork is born after it’s creation, but in this case it happened in reverse.

My personal impressions about Wellington appear on this graphic print. The characteristic buildings and places captivated my mind and at once took form into this work. In fact, the title summarises the history. The city surrounds the “pataka” (storehouse) and protects it’s heritage. But the city has its own life, always changing, growing, improving and being a part of a bigger force, that of globalization, which connects Wellington to the World.

Civilization Colonization Globalization 50×70cm · Screen-print · 2008

This graphic is one of the first editions I created here in New Zealand. I studied the traditional Samoan tattoo (tatau) and tried to understand what the geometrical patterns mean. For me the tattoo is a living practice of the written history of Polynesia. Possibly, the purpose of the Samoan ’tatau’ origin is quite different what it is today. Now the ‘tatau’ is a symbol of identity and the connection of heritage. These patterns have been utilised with these intentions within this piece.

Samoan Whale In The South Pacific Ocean 21×30cm · linocut · 2008

Samoan Whale In The South Pacific Ocean

Cetacean

This small graphic contains a mixture of the traditionally used patterns around many Pacific Islands. It refers to memories of my first whalewatching experience in Kaikoura (New Zealand). In my interpretation the geometrical patterns symbolise the mountains, water and seaweeds.

Cetacean 15×21cm · linocut · 2010

I have always been fascinated by the turtle. The turtle represents wisdom and long life to me. Every single movement of these reptile are wonderful. I wanted to show it under water, swimming carefree. This is pure freedom. The sea turtle is also used as a symbol of the marine environment and environmentalism.

Turtle 21×29,7 cm · linocut · 2010

Turtle

Tongan Passage

The canoe in the middle contains some of the authentic Tongan symbols. I noticed that most of the carvers try to fill out the empty space with patterns. The result is a very finely detailed structured object. This print represents my impression of the daily life of the Tongans, how they went fishing, how the canoe glided across the water. Around the canoe the motifs symbolise the marks of paddles as they disturb the surface of the water.

Tongan Passage 21×29,7 cm · linocut · 2010

“In Maori tradition, the morepork or ruru was often seen as a watchful guardian. As a bird of the night, it was associated with the spirit world.” In New Zealand, especially in Northland the owl guardians are known as Hine-Ruru. “This bird has the power to protect, warn and advise.” – says Margaret O’brien in the book of Maori Myths and Legends.

Ruru Man 15×21cm · linocut · 2010

Ruru Man

Messenger

This print represents a messenger of the culture from the Marquesas Islands. The background of the work has Polynesian influence, but these patterns are more of my own interpretation. This Humpback whale is a messenger, who carries the identity of the Marquesas on its back.

The patterns were created after reading the book of Willowdean Chatterson Handy “Tattooing in the Marquesias”. In my opinion this book is the only recorded most authentic anthropological study about the semi vanished Marquises’ Culture.

I would like you; dear audience, to step closer and observe the magnificent motives and think.

Messenger 50×70 cm · linocut · 2009

Southern Right Whale

This graphic respectfully reflects the Maori culture. I carefully observed the “kowhaiwhai” patterns, because I wanted to understand the meanings and background of these motifs. I also examined the Maori wood carvings and I adapted some of these forms using the linocut technique. On the other hands few of the appearing patterns are my own creatures. The colours were also important, and I wanted to keep these traditional. Marine life has influenced me, and I wished to pay respect to the whales and conservation. I admire those New Zealanders who want to protect our environment. I want to help get the message across in my own way, the way of art.

Southern Right Whale 50×70 cm · linocut · 2009

Belonging

This graphic was made at the end of 2009. It shows a pair of the Southern Right Whales. The title “Belonging”, reflects the connection between a mother and calf, the culture and genus of the whale. For this reason this print is more intimate.

Belonging 50×70cm · linocut · 2009

Around Ra’ivavae

Ra’ivavae is one of the islands in the Austral Islands under Tahiti.

The illustrated Sperm whale is surrounded by motives which come from the tiny island Ra’ivavae. My graphic was made according to “Pacific Encounters” Art and Divinity in Polynesia 1760-1860 by Steven Hooper. I saw carved drums in this book, and I could see the sea water waves on them. I also added my own imaginative spin to this style, such as the little fish and stylised shells.

Around Ra’ivavae 50×70 cm · linocut · 2009

The Ancestor and the Maori are creations made in the same time.

Both of these graphics are the continuations of previously printed mythological and shamanistic themed works. The net faces with the Maori facial tattoo “moko” relate to a special geographical area. Generally the ‘Ancestor’ refers to the Maori culture and art. The importance and determinative function of ancestors and antecedent roots realised through this modern work breaking down the common limits. This Ancestor is a global spirit, a spirt of the through nations of World.

Ancestor 50×70cm · Screen-print · 2008

Ancestor

Maori

The ornament on the facial form was motivated by the Maori moko, which is the traditional Maori facial tattoo. The characteristic faces of Maori people emerged through this graphic. In spite of the ‘Ancestor’ this graphic is not spiritual, but it reflects to the material world. The facial tattoo declares the ethnical belonging. It consciously stands for the Maori culture and identity.

Every moko is different and tells a story about the person who has it. But this form on the graphic is not realistic, and does not want to deliver an individual message.

Maori 50×70cm · Screen-print · 2008

T-shirt Designs

Statement Fine art, craft work and culture are my passion.

I enjoy the visual aspects of the arts, because they are deeply descriptive. Objects, garments, images, words, and gestures, all tell the story about somebody or something. I enjoy the challenge of these interpretations.

Education 2010–2011 Natcoll Design Technology, Diploma of Graphic Design, Wellington, New Zealand 1997–2002 Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts, Budapest, Hungary Picture graphic artist (MA) and the secondary teacher of art (artistic drawing and art history) at the Department of Graphics and Visual Education.

1996–1997 Secondary School of Arts and Crafts, Kaposvár, Hungary Speciality in Graphics 1991–1995 Secondary School of Arts and Crafts, Kaposvár, Hungary Certificate of final examination in the Speciality of Ceramics

Awards 2007 New Hungarian avant-garde – Homage A Ungvári Károly competition, Prize of Local government of Kaposvár, Hungary 2002 “Master degree–award” from the Association of Hungarian Artists, Budapest, Hungary

Experience 2010–Current Screen-print Tutor at Art Sight, Wellington 2008–Current, Volunteer Gallery Assistant in the Lesa Gallery, Petone 2008 April to June, Wellington Branch of the Kroma Colour Prints, New Zealand 2005–2007 Artistic Anatomy Teacher, Department of Stage Design of the Faculty of Art of the University of Kaposvár, Hungary 2002–2007 Art Teacher, Mihaly Zichy Secondary School of Arts & Crafts, Kaposvar, Hungary

Š 2011 Peter Lendvai All rights reserved.