61-69 Abel Smith St
Wellington, New Zealand 6010
office@kiamaufestival.org
PURATĀNA RAWIRI-KING
Ngāti Amaru, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Moerewa, Ngāti Ruaiti
Edith’s Tigers is an ongoing body of work by Te Whanganui-a-Tara based artist Puratāna.
Puratāna is an emerging visual artist currently working towards establishing a practice in the fine arts, taking inspiration from his religious/spiritual background within his heavily Waikato rooted upbringing Puratāna has developed a piece to pay homage to his late Kuikui Edith (Iti) Rawiri as well as his whanaus connection to their faith and the Kīngitanga. At the same time Puratāna wanted to communicate the importance of preserving and maintaining one’s spiritual well-being while living away from whanau and whenua in urban Aotearoa.
Edith’s Tigers first piece on display as part of the Kia Mau festival is a custom blanket inspired by the classic Tiger mink blanket that he grew up with, the blanket showcasing a large image of Puratāna’s Koro Tommy Rawiri on his wedding day with the text “He wero tonu kei mua”, the image is then framed with a border consisting of imagery inspired by the Kīngitanga, Paimarire and his memories.
By creating artworks inspired by iconic mink blankets you find in a majority of households Puratāna is hoping to create an instant connection between the audience and the artwork of nostalgia and warmth.
Dates
06 – 17 June 2023
Venue
Te Auaha Gallery
65 Dixon Street,
Te Aro,
Wellington 6011
Tickets
FREE EVENT
Learn More About The Curator
Jamie Berry
Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāpuhi
I am a Multidisciplinary Artist originally from Turanganui-a-kiwa and have spent the last 20 years residing in Te Whanganui-a-tara. I have always appreciated the vibrant, creative energy present in Pōneke, and can credit much of who I am as an Artist to this beautiful city.
I am honoured to be curating the Visual Arts programme this year for Kia Mau Festival, 6 – 17 June. My intention is to exhibit tangata whenua and tangata moana Artists, who I admire and who have a strong connection to Pōneke, to showcase their mahi toi within the city landscape we love and are inspired by. Pōneke will be humming during the Kia Mau Festival, with emerging and established Artists working in many different Artforms presented in participating locations around the city.
Advocating the energy we as Artists give back to this space and time. Kia Mau Festival is a special event where we as indigenous Artists of all disciplines can come together and celebrate each other.
