Artist’s statement
Wikitoria Tuhakaraina-Simon
Ngāti Hauaa, Te Whakatōhea, Ngai Tūhoe me Ngāti Rangiwewehi
Uenuku has a relationship with Hine-Pu-Kōhurangi, the mist maiden, that is full of life. With light from sunrise to sunset, her particles help Uenuku form prismatic shapes and patterns.
Reflecting light through the water and beaming up to Ranginui (our sky father), this work responds to this unique relationship and upholds the four elements bringing forth a female and male balance.
The kōhatu pounamu placed in this poi was used to hapenē the whenu (remove the flesh off the leaf). It represents the Meaning Ancestry or family lineage of Ranginui and Papatūānuku who birthed Tangaroa. His offspring Poutini provided pounamu to the people of Waitaha.
Contact: wikituhaks@gmail.com
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