Te Pō Uriuri: Poutu Puketapu

Te Pō Uriuri is an immersive experience retelling the pūrakau/legend of Uru, the eldest child of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. This installation embodies the safe haven, Te Kahutuanui-a-Rangi, the cloak of Uri’s father, where he fled, seeking refuge as he withdrew from his whānau. Uru sits here as a contemporary koruru in an era of deep darkness – Te Pō Uriuri.

Deep down, Poutu Puketapu (Ngāti Porou) is a traditionalist, although you might not think so looking at this exhibition.

In a modern society where so many feel disconnected from their ancestral roots, Poutu believes that works based on purākau/legend may act as an umbilical cord to whakapapa.

This work marks the beginning of Poutu’s studies for his Master’s degree and he hopes that all who enter will offer their own interpretation. He is excited to share with you this multimedia work and let the space that he has created draw you in.