Tohu Whakatipu

Māori Artists Create Symbols for The Future
Symbols can offer us an access point and a way to interpret things we don’t understand. For Māori a tohu is not only a sign or an emblem; it can also act as a set of directions or wayfinding that allows us to navigate the complexities of contemporary life.

Tohu Whakatipu explores the unique symbolism and visual languages of three of Aotearoa’s most exciting Māori artists.

Featuring work by Lonnie Hutchinson (Ngāi Tahu, Samoan, Scottish), Kaaterina Kerekere (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Rangitāne, Ngāi Tahu) and Rangi Kipa (Te Ātiawa, Taranaki, Ngāti Tama ki te Tauihu) Tohu Whakatipu unpacks issues that are relevant for many Māori.

“Māori art and design are one of the key identifiers of our cultural identity and heritage. The icons, motifs and stories are unique to our whānau, hapū and iwi.” - Kaaterina Kerekere

Image credit: Kaaterina Kerekere, Te Rawheoro (still from Takuahiroa),
2019. Courtesy of the artist.