New Zealand artists Mataaho Collective have won one of the world's most sought-after prizes in the art world.
The group was awarded the Golden Lion for the Best Artist in the International Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in Italy, which has been likened to winning gold at the Olympics.
Known for their large-scale fibre-based artwork, the group is made up of Māori women artists: Erena Baker-Arapere (Te Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and Ngāti Raukawa), Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Pūkeko, and Tūhoe), Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi), and Dr Terri Te Tau (Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa).
"Mataaho Collective has created a luminous woven structure of straps that poetically criss cross the gallery space. Referring to matrilinear traditions of textiles with its womb-like cradle, the installation is both a cosmology and a shelter," Biennale's jury said.
The jury described the work's "impressive scale" as a "feat of engineering that was only made possibly by the collective strength and creativity of the group".
"The dazzling pattern of shadows cast on the walls and floor harks back to ancestral techniques and gestures to future uses of such techniques."
Hudson spoke on behalf of the collective at the awards ceremony, adding she felt it would encourage other artists.
"It means so much to be given a platform here, we know it will inspire many queer and indigenous artists", she said.
Creative New Zealand's manager of international initiatives and services, Amanda Hereaka, described the win as "witnessing an historical moment".
"We were already celebrating the invitation of our five ngā toi Māori artists as part of the International Exhibition, but for Mataaho Collective to win this prestigious award as well, has just been phenomenal," Hereaka said.
"This award recognises, on the biggest global platform, the importance and relevance of ngā toi Māori and New Zealand art; we should all celebrate this wonderful achievement."
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
The exhibition runs from April 20 to November 24.
