Celebrated Auckland artist showcases her Tongan heritage [1]
Tuesday, May 21, 2013 - 22:24. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Dagmar Dyck, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo courtesy Flagstaff Gallery www.flagstaff.co.nz [2]
By Finau Fonua
Dagmar Dyck, a celebrated Auckland artist of Tongan heritage is exhibiting her latest work in Wellington's Solander Gallery from May 15 until June 15, 2013.
The exhibition “Between the Lines…” includes two expressionist paintings and 11 works on paper depicting ngatu (tapa cloth).
Dagmar is known for her colourful palette that combines the energies and colours of a modern Pacific landscape with the subtlety of customary tradition, in her paintings that explore the patterns of traditional Koloa mats.
“The imagery in my work is founded largely in the graphic iconography of ngatu. However, without a doubt, I believe that the subject of pattern is powerful. It has the capability to shape a message by engaging in the sensory principles of rhythm and movement.
“The addition of the elements of colour, texture and proportion further enhances the overall effect. Pattern is infinitely fluid and it is with this attitude that I seek to record and explore in my work.”
Born in New Zealand to a German father (Dieter Dyck) and a German-Tongan Mother (Wolfgramm), Dagmar a graduate of the Elam School of fine Arts has been exhibiting paintings since 1995 and has showcased her work extensively overseas in the United States, China, Switzerland, Norway and Australia.
A mother of three, Dagmart has exhibited at the Flagstaff Gallery in Devonport and was one of 25 New Zealand artists to exhibit at Agora Gallery in Chelsea, New York last year.
"Up to now the essence of my work has been influenced by my Tongan heritage. I am interested in how I can adapt seemingly traditional imagery and create a new language that reflects my hybrid world," said Dagmar. "There is [also] much that interests me regarding my German heritage."
No'o Fakataha
Dagmar has been a prominent figure in promoting Tongan art.
“I am one of the founding members of not only the Tongan Artist Collective (Matala) but also No'o Fakataha - an Auckland based but New Zealand wide group of visual artists of Tongan heritage.
“This group emerged out of the highly successful Matala Festival, held every two years in Auckland during the month of September. As visual artists it can often be a solitary existence. No'o Fakataha's vision is to offer support and encouragment amongst its practicing artists, while building the profile of Tongan's arts regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The No'o Fakataha group will be in Tonga from the 15-22 July 2013 to provide artist talks and workshops at 'Atenisi Institute, and to build relationships with Tongan based artists, educators and supporters.
Dagmar will be the keynote speaker at this year's arts day for the Tongan Research Association meeting in Auckland July 7-12.