61-69 Abel Smith St
Wellington, New Zealand 6010
office@kiamaufestival.org
STEVEI HOUKĀMAU
Ngāti Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui
Stevei Houkāmau is a full time artist based in Te Whanganui-a-tara that works predominantly in Uku (Clay). Houkāmau journey with uku started in 2011 at Toihoukura in Te Tairawhiti. In 2021 Houkāmau decided to make the move into working as an artist in a full time capacity.
As a full time artist Houkāmau has been researching and developing the core kaupapa of her practice “Whakapapa” which examines the connections and relationships that move across time and space, and through form and design. Her practice is distinctive for its carved surface designs that draw upon Tā Moko and Tātau. Used to amplify the curvature of the vessels, these markings also act as a visual language encoded with knowledge, genealogy and connect with legacies of Māori making, migration from te Moana nui a kiwa, and kinship ties with Atua.
My dream was always to be a tattoo artist. Today when I reflect on my practice I love that every day I get to ta moko Papatūānuku.
Dates
06 – 17 June 2023
Venue
Karla Marie Ceramics, 111 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Te Papa Store, 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Portrait Gallery, Shed 11/60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Pipitea, 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.
