The Indefinite Article by Michael Parekōwhai

Being

Creative visual thinking is fundamental to us all as human beings as we strive to understand our sense of self and the world. Chartwell seeks to deepen understanding about the importance of art and creative thinking for our future and our wellbeing.

Making

Chartwell supports artists as they make and think. Making is an active and connected process, involving the interaction of intention, intuition and intellect with the mediums of the world. Chartwell is making too - making a difference through philanthropy and enabling access to creative activities and research.

Return to Collection

The Indefinite Article

The Indefinite Article

Artist

Michael Parekōwhai
Production Date

1990
Medium

acrylic and MDF board
Size

2489 x 6096 x 356 mm
Credit

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Chartwell Collection, purchased with generous assistance from Jim Barr and Mary Barr, 2009
Accession Number

2009/26.1-6
Accession Date

15 Oct 2009
Department

New Zealand Art
Classification

Object
Collection

AAGC
Description

The Indefinite Article was made in 1990. It is simply constructed from angled and joined pieces of plywood to spell the letters I, A, M, H, E. The letters are painted with white acrylic paint. The five parts to the work are each variable in dimension and the components spell the phrase I AM HE. The Indefinite Article was curated by George Hubbard into the 1990 exhibition Choice! presented at Auckland’s ARTSPACE. Michael Parekowhai created this work while he was a student at Elam School of Fine Arts.