Maori, English, Polynesian, Asian (just to name a few). That’s quite a melting pot of rich and diverse cultures, and when you throw all that together with the huge range of unbelievably inspiring landscapes and intriguing history you have quite a concoction for a seriously creative and unique culture of art, music and film.
Read on for a few on New Zealand’s highlights…
location, location, location
It’s no secret New Zealand has been the country of choice for more than a few Hollywood blockbusters. And hey, is it any surprise? Where else on Earth could you find the mythical locations to make Rivendell, Hobbiton and the adventures of a certain Mr Baggins come close to the imaginations of several generations of avid Lord of The Rings readers?
mount taranaki
While the famous trilogy brought a wide audience to the sheer beauty and truly stunning landscapes of New Zealand (and inspired countless people to travel there) New Zealand’s landscapes certainly haven’t been a one hit wonder on the big screen. Films like The Last Samurai, with its famous scenes of Mount Taranaki, and Black Tomato favourite The Piano showed off, amongst others, Auckland’s stunning Karehare Beach. No need for any CGI wizardry in these locations.
But it isn’t just the landscapes made famous by these films. A number of legendary directors including Peter Jackson, Andrew Adamson and Jane Campion have all come out of the beautiful ‘land of the long white cloud’.
old and new in the best of modern art
neil dawson sculpture
Like many nations with a rich indigenous history, art is more than just a decorative affair. In Maori culture many different forms of art, from carving to tattoos, are used to tell stories ancient legends and help to preserve their ancestry through the generations.
More recently (and rather excitingly) the past few years have seen a new generation of young artists entwine the old textile traditions of the Maori past and bring them into the future with creative new artwork that takes the best of the old and combines it with the new to create a new era of New Zealand art. Many Modern New Zealand artists are currently enjoying success on the global scene including the widely respected sculptor, Neil Dawson.
So, where to head to get under the skin of New Zealand’s modern art? For something super creative and a modern mash up of art, dance, music and fashion we recommend heading for Nelson to pay a visit to The World of Wearable Art complex.
sounds of the island
ladyhawke
Music is without a doubt one of the most vibrant expression of a culture. And New Zealand is no exception. Though the country’s musical origins predominantly lie within British colonial history, local artists over the years have come a long way in developing a style that belongs to modern day New Zealand.
From Maori Hip Hop act Moana & the Moa hunters to Crowded House front man Neil Finn and the latest artist that never seems to be off the iPod here at Black Tomato HQ Ladyhawke. Modern New Zealand music is definitely in force and making itself heard across the globe.
Take me back for more New Zealand culture
