Ngataiharuru Taepa: Tuhirangi, Tuhinuku

Bringing together a selection of previous works alongside a new series, 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 in turn 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, with the intention to elevate and acknowledge those things that provide and nourish us with oranga / wellbeing and maungarongo / peace.



Ngataiharuru Taepa (b.1976, Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa) was born in Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and completed a Masters in Māori Visual Arts in 2003, studying under lecturers Robert Jahnke, Kura Te Waru Rewiri, and Shane Cotton at Massey University. Today, he is Associate Pro Vice Chancellor of Toi Rauwhārangi - College of Creative Arts in Palmerston North.



Taepa’s earliest influences were his grandmother, painter Mavis Newland, along with his father Wi Taepa, a carver and Māori clay worker. His interest in Māori Arts accelerated while attending Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay, where he observed the making of kōwhaiwhai panels for Te Whare o Rangi by art teacher Mark Dashper. In 2000 Taepa was elected to Te Atinga, the Visual Arts Committee within Toi Māori Aotearoa where he was mentored by Sandy Adsett, June Grant, Manos Nathan, and Coleen Urlich. Taepa’s involvement with different Toi Māori hui has created experiences of interaction with many artists from Aotearoa and cultures throughout the Pacific, which he sees as an important part of his creative process.



Taepa has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, with his work most recently included in the major group exhibition Indigenous Histories at the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in Brazil. His mahi is represented in significant collections including Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, and Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.