Raranga (weaving) is the foundation underpinning Māori culture. Its presence is everywhere, on waka (canoes), moko (traditional tattoo) and in kōrero (conversation) and pūrākau (stories). Weaving is whakapapa (genealogy) and its methods have been passed down through generations to be cherished today.
The Poi Room is proud to present this Matariki celebration event, a group exhibition of 14 of the foremost weavers in Aotearoa.
The exhibition in our Gallery at 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket runs from 21 - 30 July 2023.
The opening night was a great success, with most of the artists in attendance and a wonderfully warm atmosphere despite the chilly evening.
Mande Rongomaiwahine Haylings (Amanda)
Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Awa, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui
Kete whetu 'Waiti' and 'Waita'.
Christina Hurihia Wirihana: Toi Iho Artist
Ngati Maniapoto-Raukawa: Ngati Whawhakia: Ngati Pikiao
Tuwhara (wall hanging) Two papa, woven panels are joined together to create the centre spine of the Tuwhara. The joining technique is commonly known as, hiki, hono or maurua and is more visible on the underside of the Tuwhara.
Christina created the Manu tū (kite) in the image above with the help of her mokopuna (3rd from left, above).
Catherine Schuster
Piupiu (wall display) 'Te Ara Kauika' and Turapa.
Chisato Newton
Born in Kanagawa, Japan and living in Rotorua since 1999
Kete 'Whetu Piiata' and 'Mataora'.
Glenda Hape
Ngati Pukeko: Ngati Rangataua: Te Aitanga a Mahaki
Sculptures 'Papa Hou' and 'Hue Muka".
Above, Left: Glenda and her 'Papa Hou' with Melanie-Jane; Right: Glenda talks through the creative process around her 'Hue Muka' with customers.
Hectorina Mulligan
Te Aitanga a Mahaki
Kete muka 'Matariki' and kete whakairo 'Purapurawhetu'
Above, Left: Chisato Newton and Hectorina Mulligan; Right: Hectorina with her Kete Muka 'Matariki".
James Schuster
Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Tarawhai, Tuwharetoa
Turapa 'Te Taimana o Te Kooti'
Jill Fleming
Pake 'Tāwhirimātea' and Kete 'Ripeka'.
Matekino Lawless ONZM : QSM :
Ngati Maniapoto – Raukawa: Ngati Whawhakia
Two Kete whakairo.
Meleta Bennett
Ngati Ranginui
Nga Kete Matauranga (Baskets of Knowledge): 'Te Kete Tuari' (Basket of Darkness), 'Te Kete Aronui' (Basket of Pursuit), 'Te Kete Tuatea' (Basket of light).
Sonny Hape
Ngāti Pukeko
Hue woven with muka and cotton.
Sonny Hape (third from left) and partner with guests.
Tangimoe Clay
Ko Tangimoe ahau
Ko Te Whakatohea toku iwi
Tangimoe grows and prepares the Hue (left) and Karaka berries used in her work.
Teresa Murray
Te Arawa, Ngāti Ngararanui, Ngāti Rangitihi
Wall hanging 'Porutu - Waves on the shore' and Men's 2 layer Piupiu.
Tyla Maxwell
Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngaitai
Kete whakaairo (left) 'He whetu purapura' and Kete muka Taaniko 'Te Aoranga'. Part of what Tyla loves about her art is “The stories and connections of traditional methods being used in contemporary ways”.
