AHI KAA MDF - WOODBLOCK

AHI KAA MDF - WOODBLOCK

A striking woodcut by Vanessa Wairata Edward's.

Limited Edition Woodcut | FRAMED
Ahi Kaa works

The Whanganui Collection

These two works are a development in Edwards work. 

It is not a “done thing” to exhibit the wood blocks with the prints, and certainly not a done thing to sell the blocks”  However within Edwards decolonisation and re- indigenisation of her printing practice she reframes numerous aspects of Eurocentric print practices through a indigenous, more specifically Māori approach. This includes referring to her series of works from the same printing block/plate as a generation of work rather than an edition.  Although each work comes from the same block they are all individual and are similar but not the same in their outcome.  In this way Edwards is able to respond to her creative process as she makes. 

Edwards is based in Whanganui, south of Taranaki and often swims at and walks the beach. “Everytime we go there we look for Taranaki, he is far off into the distance and sometimes is a hazy shadow whilst at other times is a strong silhouette. Sometimes, he looks like a Hokusai print.”

In 2022 - 2023 Edwards spent a bit of time on Taranaki, doing the Pouakai Crossing and staying in varying huts and cabins with her husband and son. This is her homage to Taranaki, an atmospheric response of Taranaki in the mist. 

Merging out of the land, the land that means so much to the iwi and local people. He is a true magnetic landmark. 

This work was exhibited in He Tohu Tena Pea - perhaps it is a sign at the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui where Edwards resides.  Edwards co-curator this exhibition showcasing Māori artists from the Whanganui region.

This exhibition explored our connections and awareness of the signs that surround us within the environment and within ourselves. In a world that seems to be in continuous turmoil our maunga, awa, moana and whenua remind us of our responsibilities to future generations and our planet.

The waha  (mouth) represents the ongoing conversation required,  challenging us to speak the truths of our shared history, giving voice to those who have been silenced and forgotten.  

The Poutama design above references the journey that Tanemahuta took into the heavens to obtain the 3 kete of knowledge and reminds us to pursue knowledge and enlightenment, to better ourselves.

Edwards is currently completing her Masters of Maori visual arts through Toioho ki Apiti - Massey University and is exploring the reclamation of text as visual culture in a textual world.

Dimensions:
Framed - Width - 600mm x Height 1030mm

Please Note - 
Due to Vanessa Wairata Edward's print process & approach, there may be variations within the colours and textures - making each print unique in nature. The overall essence of the print will remain the same & remain true to the visual representation seen within the imagery.

The 'in situ mockup' is merely an example of visual representation within an environment and it does not truly reflect the size of the print. Please refer to the measurements above for the exact dimensions of this work.