BIO - KO AU
Iwi: Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitane, Ngati Porou
Field: Multidisciplinary - painting, digital illustration, surface etching, 3D objects, digital media, craft
My mahi (work) is hugely influenced by my Maori cultural heritage. Through Whakapapa and ancestry is where I find connection, purpose and the spaces for inspiration.
While my main interests lie in examining feminine narratives, I am also drawn to exploring concepts that relate to inner growth and transformation, ideas that embrace expanded consciousness through pathways of self awareness.
My creative journey spans over two decades which has seen my visual story telling develop into a distinctive visual language that translates experience, knowledge and symbolism into simple contemporary design. Whether it is painting, print making, glass etching, sculpture or craft, my artistic pathway has become a reflective expression of my life's journey unfolding - a weaving of my inner and outer nature which is continually evolving. Kia ora.
EXPERIENCE
Selected Exhibitions:
2023, Nga Wai Whaka-ata - Reflecting Waters (solo exhibition), Ponsonby Central, Auckland, NZ
2022, Nga Hine Tokowhitu o Matariki (solo exhibition), Vinegar Lane Studio, Auckland, NZ
2020, Group Show, Red Door Gallery, Waipu, NZ
2018, Voices of my Tūpuna (solo exhibition), Ponsonby Central , Auckland, NZ
2016, Selected Works (featured artist), Kura Gallery, Auckland, NZ
2016, Presentation of Collection, Imago Mundi - Fondazione Benetton Sudi Ricerche, Treviso, Italy
2015, Open Studio, (solo exhibition), Williamson Ave Studio, Auckland, NZ
2015, Group Show, Ora Gallery, New York, USA
2014, Mana Whenua Taku Kai, Taku Oranga (solo exhibition), Aratoi, Masterton, NZ
2013, Mana Wahine (solo exhibition), Mt Eden, The Digital Dark Room, Auckland, NZ
2012, Selected Works, Skycity Grand Hotel, Auckland, NZ
2012, Group Show, Kura Gallery, Auckland, NZ
2005, Selected Works (solo exhibition), GreenHill Gallerys, Adelaide, South Australia
2004, Selected Works (solo exhibtion), SkyCity Adelaide (The Grill Restaurant), South Australia
2004, Exotica/Erotica (group exhibition), GreenHill Gallerys, Adelaide, South Australia
2003, Selected Works (featured artist), SkyCity Adelaide, South Australia
2003, Selected Works (featured artist), SkyCity Auckland, NZ
2003, Selected Works (group exhibition), Mana Gallery, Parnell, Auckland, NZ
2003, Group Show, Glenelg Fine Art Gallery, Adelaide, South Australia
2003, Group Show, Tomlinson Fine Art Gallery, Adelaide, South Australia
2002, Group Show, Royal S.A. Society of Arts Inc, Adelaide, South Australia
2002, Group Show, Artists on Broadway, Glenelg, South Australia
Collections:
2019, Mt Albert Grammar School (Te Puna o Wairaka), Auckland, NZ
2018, Newton Primary School, Auckland, NZ
2004, SkyCity Adelaide, Australia
2003, SkyCity Auckland, NZ
**Also includes various other national and international private collections.
Creative Collaborations:
2022, "Nga Hine Tokowhitu" with Claire Nicholls
2021, "Who am i to wear Moko Kauae" with Putaanga Waitoa
2015, "Hine Pukenga" with Robyn Kahukiwa
Grants/Awards/Residencies:
2015, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa
2014, Creative New Zealand
Self Publications:
“Strong Resilient Wahine”, Auckland: 2023
“NIU, He Tangata Matauhi; Voices of our Ancestors”, Auckland: digital 2019/paperback 2022
“Poutama Atuatanga - The Nurturing Pathway”, Auckland: 2019
“Ranga Wairua”, Auckland, 2016
“Mana Whenua Taku Kai, Taku Oranga”, Auckland: 2014
Press/Publications:
** “UNDRIP Implementation Comparative Approaches, Indigenous Voices from CANZUS” for the Centre for International Governance Innovation, Special Report: Canada, 2020
** “Brave NIU World” for an interview by Kuini Qontrol: Auckland, 2020
** “Heke Tuna, Heke Rangatira! Inviting Wairarapatanga consciousness to discourse regarding excellence and innovation in the pursuit of knowledge” for Te Wananga o Aotearoa Toroa Te Nukuroa Volume IIII Journal: Masterton, 2016
** “Geometry” for Issue One, Auckland 2017
** “Te Matauranga o Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa” for Iwi publication, Masterton, 2016
** “New Zealand: Kiwi Consciousness” (cover) in the Imago Mundi Luciano Benetton Collection book and online catalogue: 2015
** “The Late Pre-term Baby” for publication by Leigh McCarthy: Auckland, 2015
** “Spotlight on Artist” for Wairarapa Times Age: Masterton, 2014
Creative Commons/Charitable Donations/Koha:
- Kaitiakitanga Charitable Trust, 2023
- Ahuru Mowai Wānanga, Wairarapa Maternity, 2023
- The University of Auckland (Ka Hao Te Rangatahi), 2021
- Ihi - Benita Tahuri, 2021
- Auckland City Mission (Te Whare Hinatore), 2020
- Te Pati Maori, 2020
- Waiwhero Wānanga, Te Ira Wahine, He Ira Whenua (Ngahuia Murphy), 2020
- Urukehu Wairua Creations, 2019
- Whenua Vibrations, 2019
- Waipu Branch of Whangarei RSA, 2019
- Kopu Consulting Ltd, 2018
- Takahiwai Marae - Patuharakeke, 2017
- Waru (Feature Film by Kerry Warkia & Kiel McNaughton), 2017
- Kemetic Yoga, 2016
- Te Ara (The Encyclopedia of NZ), 2015
- Rangitane o Wairarapa Education, 2015
- Kai4Kids Charity, Robyn Kahukiwa, 2015
- Parliamentary Office of MP, Marama Fox, 2015
- Te Pou Theatre, 2015
- The Going West Festival, 2015
- Orakei Marae (Nga Mahi Toi), 2014
- Te Kohanga Reo o Wahi Reka, 2014
- Auckland Woman’s Refuge, 2013
- Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project, 2013
- Crown Perth (Executive Suites), 2009
- Ngai Tumapuhia a Rangi Hapu, 2007
**Also includes various other related koha or donations that are not listed above.