Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāti Ruapani
The Work
Matariki (2017). Muka (Harakeke fibre, Tanekaha and Raurekau dye, kiwi feathers.
The open star cluster Matariki is a predominant motif used by two of my marae in artworks that adorn those whare. The Tāniko pattern depicts 7 of the stars. Matariki is a time to acknowledge those who have passed away. This work acknowledges weavers who have influenced and educated me in the art of raranga/whatu.
The Medium
Using natural resources grounds me to the whenua and connects me to my tupuna through the Fiber’s and techniques they would have used whilst cresting contemporary taonga.
The Inspiration
My great grandmother and grandmother who I watched weaving as a child. I wanted a way to connect to them as they lived so far away. Cath Brown, Ranui Ngarimu, Reihana Parata, Emily Schuster, Donna Waiariki, and Te Aue Davis who all had a hand in teaching, sharing, shaping and moulding my practice. Contemporaries like Donna Campbell, Te Hemo Ata Henare and Fiona Collis who are always creating inspirational works.
The Art – what does this mean to this Artist?
Reflection and expression of ourselves as Maori, where we have come from and where we aspire to be. It is whakapapa, a connection to our world view our whenua and our stories.
Contact the Artist
manawahine09@gmail.com
