Known for Weaving, teaching | Name Kohai Grace | |
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Born 1966 New Zealand Education Bachelor of Design, Massey University, Master's Degree | ||
A Cape of Stars - Tales from Te Papa episode 77
Kohai Grace (b. 1966) is a New Zealand weaver. Her iwi are Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou, Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Raukawa.
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Weaving career
Grace learnt weaving under Kataraina Hetet-Winiata at the Wellington Arts Centre. Grace also learnt under the esteemed Rangi Hetet and Erenora Puketapu-Hetet whilst completing a Bachelor of Design and Art at Te Wānanga o Raukawa. She also holds a Masters in Māori Visual Arts from Massey University. Her weaving is based upon customary practice and the use of natural materials.
She has exhibited nationally in Call of Taranaki: Reo Karanga o Taranaki (2013) at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth; He Maumahratanga (2009) at Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision, Wellington; Tukākahumai (2007) and Toi Māori: The Eternal Thread (2005) at Pataka Art + Museum and The Māori Art Market.
Her work has been included in international exhibitions such as E tū Ake which toured to Musee du quai Branly, Paris and Museo de las Culturlas, Mexico City. In 2008 she was the de Young Fine Arts Museum artist-in-residence in San Francisco which coincided with Māori Art Meets America. Her work is in the collection of The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and features on episode 77 of Tales of Te Papa.
Grace is also a teacher. An exhibition of work by herself and past and present students of Whitireia New Zealand's Toi Poutama weaving and carving course was held at Pataka Art + Museum in 2015.