Ngataiharuru Taepa. Tuhirangi 4, 2023. Acrylic on Latvian birch, 190 x 795 x 50mm.
Photo Credit
Ngataiharuru Taepa. Tuhirangi 4, 2023. Acrylic on Latvian birch, 190 x 795 x 50mm.
Photo Credit
Bringing together a new series alongside a selection of previous works, this exhibition encourages the viewer to reflect upon notions of balance and equilibrium; with Tuhirangi referring to those patterns and marks that appear in the sky above, and Tuhinuku to those found on the land below.
Tuhirangi, Tuhinuku acknowledges Ngataiharuru Taepa’s continued exploration of the inherent balance within nature and how that balance finds itself embedded within the artist’s kōwhaiwhai practice. While many kōwhaiwhai practitioners employ symmetry in their compositions, Taepa’s works are inspired by early examples of kōwhaiwhai that achieved balance through purposeful asymmetry; understanding the passive and active space that exists within kōwhaiwhai and utilising those elements of manawa, pitau, kape, and colour to achieve harmony.
Taepa’s kōwhaiwhai works engage with Māori principles rooted within karakia, to elevate and acknowledge those things that provide and nourish us with oranga / wellbeing and maungarongo / peace.
Bringing together a new series alongside a selection of previous works, this exhibition encourages the viewer to reflect upon notions of balance and equilibrium; with Tuhirangi referring to those patterns and marks that appear in the sky above, and Tuhinuku to those found on the land below.
Tuhirangi, Tuhinuku acknowledges Ngataiharuru Taepa’s continued exploration of the inherent balance within nature and how that balance finds itself embedded within the artist’s kōwhaiwhai practice. While many kōwhaiwhai practitioners employ symmetry in their compositions, Taepa’s works are inspired by early examples of kōwhaiwhai that achieved balance through purposeful asymmetry; understanding the passive and active space that exists within kōwhaiwhai and utilising those elements of manawa, pitau, kape, and colour to achieve harmony.
Taepa’s kōwhaiwhai works engage with Māori principles rooted within karakia, to elevate and acknowledge those things that provide and nourish us with oranga / wellbeing and maungarongo / peace.