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Nigel Borell
Photo Credit: @Dean Purcell

Nigel Borell

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Nigel Borell (Pirirakau, Ngai Te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui, Te Whakatohea) is an artist, curator and writer. As Curator, Maori Art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Nigel curated the ground-breaking 2020-21 exhibition Toi Tu Toi Ora. Prior to that he was Associate Curator Maori at Auckland War Memorial Museum and Kaiwhakahaere Toi o Manukau; Maori Arts Manager, Auckland Council-South. Borell lectures in the University of Auckland Art History Department on Maori art history. He holds a Master of Fine Arts (Hons) from Elam School of Fine Arts in 2002 and is himself a practicing artist.

Books by Nigel Borell

Toi Tu Toi Ora

The story of contemporary Maori art from the 1950s to the present day, with more than 200 artworks by 110 Maori artists, this is a powerful, dynamic new book.

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Toi Tu Toi Ora edited by Nigel Borell

The story of contemporary Maori art from the 1950s to the present day, with more than 200 artworks by 110 Maori artists, this is a powerful, dynamic new book. Maori art is unique among all art movements, and to Aotearoa New Zealand. Drawing on centuries of indigenous knowledge and skill, it reflects a Maori world view, life in this land and the debates that continue to shape it. Based on the ground-breaking 2020-21 exhibition staged by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and edited by the show’s curator Nigel Borell, Toi Tu Toi Ora tells the story of contemporary Maori art from the 1950s to the present day, with more than 200 works by 110 Maori artists. From carving to painting, video art to jewellery, body adornment to weaving, this is a powerful expression of the vast creativity and diversity within Maori art, linked across time and place through the Maori creation story and revealing profound connections to whakapapa, to whenua and to the spiritual world. Find out more:https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/toi-tu-toi-ora-9780143776734