Mataaho Collective has won a prestigious prize at the 60th Venice Biennale overnight.

The Golden Lion has been won by New Zealand’s Mataaho Collective, comprising four wāhine Māori practitioners.

They are Erena Arapere-Baker (Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangātira), Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Pūkeko), Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) and Terri Te Tau (Rangitāne ki Wairarapa).

The judges say Mataaho Collective has created a luminous woven structure of straps that poetically crisscross the gallery space. Photo: Supplied.

Considered one of the highest accolades for art, Mataaaho Collective have won the Golden Lion for the Best Participant in the 60th International Exhibition, Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere.

From the hundreds of participants that were selected to exhibit in Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere, Mataaho’s immersive installation,Takapau, stood-out.

The five judges who oversaw the selection of award recipients are Julia Bryan-Wilson, Alia Swastika, Chika Okeke-Agulu, Elena Crippa, and María Inés Rodríguez.

In the judge’s speech they noted:

“Mataaho Collective has created a luminous woven structure of straps that poetically crisscross the gallery space. Referring to matrilinear traditions of textiles with its womb-like cradle, the installation is both a cosmology and a shelter. Its impressive scale is a feat of engineering that was only made possibly by the collective strength and creativity of the group. The dazzling pattern of shadows cast on the walls and floor harks back to ancestral techniques and gestures to future uses of such techniques.”

The Mataaho Collective has won a prestigious prize at the 60th Venice Biennale. Photo: Supplied.

Sarah Hudson spoke on behalf of the collective at the awards ceremony held in Venice on Saturday night, acknowledging what the award meant, that it would encourage other artists and spoke of the importance of the exhibition’s themes exploring ingenious and queer culture.

“It means so much to be given a platform here, we know it will inspire many queer and indigenous artists," says Sarah.

Likened to winning gold at the Olympics, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The judges say Mataaho Collective has created a luminous woven structure of straps that poetically crisscross the gallery space. Photo: Supplied.

Creative New Zealand’s Amanda Hereaka is in Venice.

“It has been such an incredible privilege to be on the ground in Venice to witness this historical moment," says Amanda.

"We were already celebrating the invitation of our five ngā toi Māori artists as part of the International Exhibition, but for Mataaho Collective to win this prestigious award as well, has just been phenomenal.

"This award recognises, on the biggest global platform, the importance and relevance of ngā toi Māori and New Zealand art; we should all celebrate this wonderful achievement. Congratulations!”

Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective

Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale.

"Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale," says Goldsmith.

“It is good to see New Zealand artists excelling internationally, and showcasing the best of our art and culture to the world.

“This win is a glowing endorsement of the brilliant work of the Mataaho collective and shows, again, our artists are world leaders.”