Christchurch Art Gallery - Otautahi 2022
Hine-tītama/Hinenutepō is here to remind you to R.E.S.P.E.C.T, uplift, support, celebrate, worship, treasure, pay, listen to, love, believe and protect our wāhine EVERY DAY.
It was the complete lack of all things mentioned above that forced Hine-tītama to double down on her Atua status and embrace the night to become Hinenuitepō. Then this boss KUĪNI was ruling in two worlds, day and night, FORVER!...so you know, whats the lesson here? And what happened to Māui when he tried to trick her? She brought mortality upon the whole world, that's what.
There was no war in Ukraine when I started the mural, but by the time I had finished the job, the whole world had changed. The torch of Mahuika often appears in my work to shine a light on the past, what lessons are there that we can take with us going forward? What happened to Māui when he tried to steal her fire? He got burned. Don't loose your fire people, shine bright and KIA KAHA.
I cannot thank the team at @chchartgallery for the amazing opportunity to paint this mural and for the support and encouragement I got along the way. An unforgettable experience indeed and many new e hoas were made. Special thanks to the legend @asher for being my amazing assistant in painting and pūrākau kōrero for the first week, I couldn't have done it without you! And @mel you are such an inspiring, glowing force I am so lucky to have been able to work with NGĀ MIHI NUI!!!