Manu Aute Matariki
760 x 760
Mixed Media - Paint, dress patterns, graphite, charcoal, metallic foil

​This is an artwork created as part of my 'Paper Doll' series which looks at notions of identity, culture, community, and connection.

Historically in New Zealand kites were flown to celebrate the start of the Māori New Year, when Matariki (the Pleiades) appeared in the mid-winter night sky. In some traditions, the god Tāwhaki ascended to the heavens and retrieved the baskets of knowledge on a kite made from the bark of the aute (paper mulberry) tree. Here the community gathers to celebrate the New Year together and remember those that have passed away during the year gone by.