New Zealand born Compton celebrates his Maori heritage in this exciting exhibition. The artist carves objects and icons, inspired by an ancient culture with strong ties to the sea, that carry us away to a timeless land located somewhere between the past and the present, the spirit and the mortal environs.

Recycled and found chunks of pine, wandoo and jarrah, have been treated and transformed into exhibits that have a certain rawness about then, not to the touch but in their honesty. When carving, usually the form is dictated by function but these works seem to tell us the function is more important than the carved form, that finesse is needed more then fineness. This gives the works a potency of their own, one that speaks of powerful forces and vigorous humanity.

Suspended from the ceiling are canoes that would serve us better navigating clouds than the ocean. Drifting overhead they are cut into sturdy open patterns suggestive of fishing nets thrown by sky gods. Hanging at eye level is Ripples and Time, which is not a canoe so much as a reference to the undulating surface a hull might ride across. It  makes us think of the broad palm leaf  that might be used to carry ritual food and offerings for the immortals.

Compton's sturdy drums demand to be played, to call up a pounding rhythm from within. It is very difficult to hold back from reaching into the hollows for the pounding sticks and going at it. But in the silent gallery an audible Oooo & Aaahh had to suffice. Carved into large reptilian forms and etched with patterns one is certain these instruments have a haunting, exotic sound.

Two large indecipherable creatures from the deep Bottom Dweller and Time Migrator, stand on sturdy legs looking like gigantic puzzles that can be taken apart and rearranged. Eerie and enigmatic they are mythical shape shifters stuck in one form, for the present.

Without a doubt, the collection of Whanau standing against the wall is the most intriguing. Less awesome in size only yet equal in interest, these effigies of 'absent friends' from across the waters or beyond the physical world hold our attention. They tell us something about themselves, each is quite different yet shaped according to the same tradition. And like members our own extended family, some hold secrets behind closed doors while others are totally open.

Compton is generous with his love of his heritage, he has invited us to share in it and for this we are grateful. Kia kaha.