Collection: Christina Hurihia Wirihana

Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whawhakia, Tainui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Rangiunora

Christina is a highly respected senior weaver/artist, acclaimed in Aotearoa & internationally for her weaving which incorporates tradition & innovation. Christina credits her mother, Matekino Lawless (QSM) as her greatest teacher of raranga. Mother & daughter have an established relationship as weavers - this inter-generational partnership has drawn interest from both the local & global weaving communities. Christina was the first lecturer to teach raranga at a tertiary level at Wairariki Institute of Technology & has since taught at various institutes.

Christina’s weaving explores the natural qualities of her materials & the inherent features of the weaving processes. Fibres such as houhi (lacebark), harakeke (flax), kiekie (climber), & pīngao (sedge) feature in her work along with natural dyes. Modern materials such as perspex & wire are sometimes incorporated whilst still respecting the traditional techniques of her tupuna. This blend of old & new drives the innovation & deliberate thinking behind her work & helps to facilitate the future direction of the medium.

Her work is held in collections both locally & abroad including five kete whakairo in the British Museum.

We are proud to support, Christina Hurihia Wirihana!