Untitled [Maori Land Court Doors]

1964

James Turkington

Accessible

Type

  • Door(s)

Medium

  • Paint
  • Laminated plastic panel (i.e Formica)

Dimensions

  • 2 panels, ea. H1440 x W300mm

James Turkington, Untitled [Māori Land Court Doors] (1964), Hauora House, Rotorua

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2022

Description

In addition to the large mural in the foyer of Hauora House, James Turkington completed two push-plates for the entry to the Te Kooti Whenua Maori. Each door carries a Formica panel painted with the image of a mythologic creature derived from Opihi River Rock Shelter art. The form is mirrored to create a symmetrical composition as if the creatures look at each other across the doorway.

The door panels were trimmed by an architect when the Court was refurbished and new doors were installed.