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Korero for the Taonga Tekoteko | This Tekoteko was the center piece for my recent show |
RATA
Materials: Rimu, muka, hawk feathers, Paua, paint, wax
This taonga depicts the ancestor Rata at the moment he was taught how to placate the lord of the forest. The design on his forehead represents the prayers he was taught from the creatures of the forest who also assisted in the construction of his Waka Taua.
The muka and Hawk feathers offer movement in the carving which otherwise would appear static and motionless.
Contact details.
Mobile - 0226410981
Email - nigel1968@slingshot.co.nz
NIGEL HAMAHONA
Iwi/ hapu: Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Tuwharetoa
Training: Nigel Hamahona has experience in all aspects of Whakairo spanning 28 years. He has experience in all mediums/styles and has exhibited overseas. He has provided Maori art for corporate functions and public displays.
Nigel was born, raised, and educated in Whanganui. He began his training in Whakairo at Te Aohou Marae Whanganui back in the early 1980s, being taught by Aaron Tearamakutu, and later by Marua Cribb (at Manaakitia Trust), a notable Tohunga Whakairo on the Awa who, amongst other things, taught Nigel how to critique his own work enabling Nigel to give an honest opinion on the work of others.
Upon serving his apprenticeship, he became the first carver to graduate on the Whanganui River since 1911.
He has trained the people of the Whanganui for the past 25 years, both here and in Taumarunui under Hinengakau Development Trust.
His class of 2000 graduated with the highest qualifications (Diploma and advanced Diploma in Maori Art) available at the time. This was also true for the Taumarunui carvers he trained in 2001.
To further his own development, he was invited to enrol onto a pilot course that was teaching the highest levels of Whakairo spearheaded by Dr Pakaariki Harrison QSO and Professor Kereti Rautangata. This is where he became involved with three leading Taa Moko artists, Rangi Skipper, Derek Ladalli, and Riki Manuel and his interest grew from there to incorporate tattooing (Taa Moko) into his business.
It was through this class that he was urged to apply for the “Toi Iho” Mark of Quality and Authenticity (
www.toiiho.com), which he gained in 2002.
Nigel’s passion for Whakairo has driven him to start “Authentic Maori Art” of which various clients and galleries are catered for around the world. Nigel exhibits in New Zealand, Australia and the USA and is currently dealing with a gallery in the Netherlands
He works with both traditional and contemporary materials ranging from wood, stone and bone to polystyrene and other man-made media and has also incorporated the art of Maori Tattoo (Taa Moko) into the options offered by Authentic Maori Art.
Vision
It is my dream to see that every office, home, and school, has at least one Taonga (Treasure) proudly displayed, to inspire and carry the dreams of the viewer.
As a custodian of the art I have a responsibility and an obligation to up hold the Mana (prestige) of Whakairo (Maori art). This is my way of life; it’s more than just an art form, for it encapsulates the very essence of my culture; a culture that must now take its place in the sun. Uniting people through a common understanding of beauty.
Authentic Maori Art creates designs that have been inspired by nature and designs that come to the artist in dreams and visions, thus giving the artist the ability to access both the physical and psychic levels of his being. Making us sensitive to things beyond the natural range of perception.
Form and line that will be left for the viewer to interpret discuss and come to their own conclusion.
Authentic Maori Art
caters for shops and galleries both nationally and internationally. A wide range of mediums consisting in part of: wood, stone, bone, synthetic materials such as polystyrene, metals, painting and drawing, pastels and charcoals are used in Nigel’s works.
Shows: Exhibitions and Displays
1. American Indian Community House
Mahatten New York USA 2007/2008/2009/2010
2. Azukarera Gallery
Sugar hill district Harlem New York 2009/ 2010
3. Toi ake Tuwharetoa 2006-2007
4. Holroyd City Gardens, (Merrylands Australia) 2006
5. Wellington Airport Toi Iho promotional display 2006
6. All Taonga for the character played by Cliff Curtis in ‘The River Queen’ 2004 - 2005
7. Botanical Partners on the Mall (Co-sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute) Washington DC, USA, 2004-2005
8. United Nations Building, New York, USA, 2005
9. John Royal Gallery, New York, USA, 2005
10. Toi Iho Expo, Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington, 2004, 2005, 2006
11. Te Ora Gallery, Wellington, and Queenstown 2004, 2005, 2006
12. Toi Iho Expo, The Totem, Auckland, 2004
13. Taha Gallery, Waiheke Island, 2004-2005
14. School of Sustainable Business Management, Auckland, 2004
15. Whanganui Community Arts Centre, 2004–2005
16. Te Waananga O Aotearoa Exhibition, 2002–2005
17. Whanganui Regional Museum, 1986–1995
Note: this information was provided to me, not written by me. Immense respect for Nigel for his knowledge & talent as an artist. To carry on the knowledge handed down by our tupuna is an undertaking in this day & age where there are so few practicing kaiwhakairo. We should appreciate & acknowledge those who do so :)
