Pakihīkura Toi 2021 is a celebration of our tauira studying Toi Ataata, Ngā Mahi ā te Whare Pora and Digital Media in Ōpōtiki.
The exhibition includes work from Toi Maruata Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art Level 3, Kāwai Raupapa Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Art Level 4 and Toi Paematua Diploma in Māori and Indigenous Art Level 5.
This series includes birds watchfully perching over the whenua guarding everything within it. This mahi is an expression of birds representing the kaitiaki, the role of protection. Birds precede mankind in the natural order of things, responsible for the welfare and preservation of the fertility of the forest, without birds nothing will flourish. People are part of the natural and have a responsibility of conservation, replenishment and sustainability of the environment.
The Koru is representative of life, strength and courage, empowering us not to give up hope, also offers abundance, protection and fighting spirit for future generations
The Poutama (stairway to heaven pattern) is said to come from the mythical origins of Māori society, symbolising the spiritual power of Tāne Mahuta’s climb to the topmost heavens to bring back sacred knowledge for Māori and mankind, with challenges at each level before he succeeded.
This work emerged from drawing koru and kowhaiwhai design in triangle shapes, and the discovery of a paper fold out that concertinas into triangle shapes. Fascinated by the 3 dimensional effect of folded paper, I enlarged my original study, and selected the pitau and played with colours and the textures of collage.