Kokomai Creative Festival comes to the Backspace

Wairarapa’s own ‘Kokomai’ returns this year with a raft of events and activities scheduled from October 16-25th.

Martinborough is not left out with Irish musicians and dancers at the Village Cafe, the ‘Sing it To My Face’ intergenerational choir, an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ family fun day in the Square, and a mini film festival at Circus Cinema.

The Backspace Gallery at Thrive is also running a partner event, with an exhibition of paintings by former gallery co-ordinator Martine Bijker, plus a performance of the music which inspired her work. The exhibition opens October 3rd, while the concert takes place in the gallery on the last day of both the exhibition and the Kokomai Festival, Sunday 25th October.

After living with composer Mike Hogan in the past, Martine heard his recent album of contemporary classical guitar, ‘Dark To Light’, and while contemplating an exhibition became inspired by some of its themes. The album includes ‘The Matariki Suite’: the re-appearance of the Matariki constellation signifies the beginning of the Maori new year, a transition from dark to light, as the days lengthen and moods change.

With Martine starting the series in the dead of winter, the works observe movement through time and the landscape, with repetition and rhythm, layers and tone, power lines, fence lines, white lines- the land speeds by while moving tectonically slow. All the while, a storm was brewing over national identity and its symbolism…

Mike’s compositions on the album were played by Christopher Hill of the New Zealand Guitar Quartet, an astonishing talent in the realm of classical and flamenco guitar- and “he’s a pretty rock’n’roll sort of classical musician” says Martine. On the 25th, Chris will play music from the album, plus some surprises, while surrounded by the artwork. He will be introduced by Hogan.
It promises to be an intimate and beautiful experience, which will quite possibly involve whisky: and is limited by space to 30 seats. See www.kokomai.co.nz for more information on ‘Dark to Light’ plus all the other incredible creative events that await you.