Ataata

Ataata
(noun) shadow, reflection.

Ataata is a reflection on the origins of whakairo and its journey through history, noting the inevitable changes incurred through the introduction of western tools and materials.

Retelling the pūrākau of Ruatepupuke, the origin story of whakairo, Heremaia Barlow endeavours to continue this narrative by asking, where to from here? Influenced by Raharuhi Rukupo, Cliff Whiting and Lyonel Grant, Heremaia makes his own journey through mediums pushing his own skill set and boundaries to a new horizon.

Since beginning his whakairo journey, he has employed traditional techniques of shadow-casting with steel chisels on native timber. Quickly realising that native timber is becoming a rare commodity, Heremaia has chosen to use similar techniques, with newer readily available materials such as MDF, acrylic and mild steel to create with.

Heremaia is excited to share this exhibition with you as a journey of his growth in toi Māori, which marks his very first solo exhibition, showcasing his versatility and attention to detail.