Tayla Mereana Hartemink

Based on the ancient story of the battle between Rongomaraeroa (the god of peace and cultivation) and Tūmatauenga (the god of war) - Te Pakanga o Pōhutukawa explores Māori concepts of duality and the stories that shape our understanding of Tikanga and Kawa. The two companion pieces (Tūmatauenga and Rongomaraeroa) are large prints that have been illustrated digitally. Drawn from Māori art traditions such as Whakairo, Kōwhaiwhai, and Tāniko - these two illustrations have trans-customary conventions which depicts the different realms of Tu and Rongo. "Te Pakanga o Pōhutukawa" emphasises our evolving interpretation of Ngā Atua Māori in the modern world as well as the importance of these narratives in understanding Tikanga Māori.