Semester 2, 2020
This semester we will be creating a 3D form or installation that explores mana whakapapa, whilst incorporating the use of cube and seed pods.
I am basing my exhibition piece in regard to my connection to the founding fathers of Aotearoa New Zealand. My connection to the paramount chiefs of Nga Puhi, those chiefs that are the symbols of New Zealand's constitution; its independence, and their significant contribution to the treaty of Waitangi. In particular, my connection to my great koro, Eruera Maihi Patuone.
I started on getting a better idea on some artwork that has portrait and frame. my artwork is going to be hugely inspired by Graham Hoete's work. Here are some examples:
Inspiration
I traveled to my koros (grandfathers) to find out more about my whakapapa (genealogy). My koro became kaitiaki of Patuone's pounamu's that have been passed down through generations. Through handling the taonga and seeing them in person, I have a greater appreciation of my whakapapa and Tino rangatiratanga. Being able to hold the taongas was a great honour for me. I know that being involved with my family and the taonga; has broadened my view of life and has given me an identity in my tāhuhu kōrero.
Hunt for materials
As I was super tight on funds I needed to find a sort of surface that I can paint over. My partner's mother found a pallet with a flat piece of wood attached and seen a great opportunity. We had to dismantle it from the other pieces of wood. With our hands full of splinters we proceeded to shape it into an ellipse and then sanded it down.
Starting on the frame
After i have completed painting the figure. I then proceeded to making the frame. Originally I was wanting to carve into the wood but due to the lack of time and the use of mdf, I then proceeded to paint kowhaiwhai instead.
About my artwork
My presentation is to highlight my connection to the founding fathers of Aotearoa, New Zealand. My connection to the paramount chiefs of Nga Puhi, those chiefs that shaped New Zealand and their significant contribution to the treaty of Waitangi. In particular, my connection to my great koro, Eruera Maihi Patuone.
This year I had the opportunity to travel to Wairoa to visit my grandfather to learn more about my whakapapa and my nga puhi lineage. The key elements in my piece represents specific meanings such as; Huia feather, Patu and the Rata tree seed pod.
Firstly, the huia feather represents Patuone as he was a high cheiftian, a tohunga of high ranks. Patuone was one of the first chiefs to sign the treaty of Waitangi and translated the treaty of independence.
The second symbolism I have in my piece is a nonfigurative seedpod. I used the frame of the painting to represent the rata tree seedpod that’s embodying my ancestor. The kowhaiwhai that is on the frame represents the beginning of my familys whakapapa and the manawa line as My bloodline stretches back to Hawaiki Nui Hawaiki Roa Hawaiki Pau Mau Mau.
The reason why I have chosen a specific seed pod to represent is that Patuone sheltered some of the first Europeans as they were getting harassed by local maori. My koro had told the assembled Warriors and Chiefs, saying... "If You wish to do harm to these people, Then You Have To Go Through 'ME' !!!" as patuone was much respected, they retreated.
Patuone saved those First Settlers, and as a peace offering, gifted the Land and the Ports of Devonport, telling the People they could reside there in safety. My Great Great koro was respected beyond His 108 years, and remembered as the 'Rata Tree', for giving shelter to the settlers.
The patu that my koro is holding onto represents my whakapapa and the history of New Zealand. I had the opportunity to hold onto 4 taongas of 6 of patuones while visiting my koro. One of the patus in the collection was traded for a canoe and the other was gifted to Queen Victoria.
The largest patu that I had the privilege of handling is what patuone took along with him to the treaty signing and is also used for healing.
As a mokopuna of patuone and being able to hold the taongas was a great honour for me. Through handling the taonga and seeing them in person, I have a greater appreciation of my whakapapa and Tino rangatiratanga. Many people would view these taonga's as collector's items, with significant value, I see them as priceless heirlooms and very much part of my whanangatanga. My grandfather became kaitiaki of these pounamu, as the kaumatua, chief of our family. My grandfather always told me; “He aha te kai nga rangatira?” ‘what is the food of the chiefs? Is to talk and talk to a resolution’. I know that being involved with my family and the taonga and finding out more about my whakapapa; has broadened my view of life and has given me an identity in my tāhuhu kōrero.
Final Art piece
Personal comments
Painting is not my strongest medium but personally, I am very surprised and proud of the way my artwork came out.
During the process of creating my piece, I had to change my ideas all the time due to a lack of materials or receiving them too late and also not being able to financially afford any materials. I had to be creative and use the top of a wooden pallet board.
Once I had that sorted, another lot of challenges came my way health-wise that put me at a disadvantage from all the hospital stays which was also mentally draining as I was quite limited to the number of things I can do.
As soon as I completed my painting I then realized I strayed too far off track and forgot to incorporate one of the main subject matter which is cubes. I was now too late to make changes and had to carry on.
I am looking forward to next year because I know next year is going to be much better and I can deliver to my highest potential and stick to the subject matters.