Whakapau tangata – Contemporary Art

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The contemporary artworks in the exhibition are the result of relationships formed between the communities of kohukohu, Rāwene and Te Rōpū Ratonga Māori team from Auckland City Libraries. The people Te Rōpū Ratonga Māori met responded enthusiastically to the exhibition’s three themes. The works on display celebrate the creative strength of Hokianga.

Paying tribute to the enduring beautiy that is Hokianga the artists build on histories, drawing not only on tribal stories to determine artistic direction but also on local materials offered by nature. Whiu Waata’s work entitled Te puna o te Ao Mārama takes its form from a traditional story about Kupe’s son Tuputupu Whenua, kaitiaki of Te Puna o te Ao Mārama. Beautifully crafted from solid stone sourced from the Hokianga, this work connects the exhibition’s three themes.

Hokianga is a source of inspiration, bringing people together across generations and culture.

Ngahiraka Mason