New Sculpture on Waiheke Walkway
In December 2022 as the result of a collaboration with some of our neighbours we installed a new sculpture by Te Rongo Kirkwood on Walkway Waiheke.
The striking ‘Pou Ihi’ was first seen by the public at the 2022 Sculpture On The Gulf, and along with many other people, we were captivated by it.
The artist Te Rongo Kirkwood is an internationally renowned mixed-media artist who specialises in kiln formed, cold worked glass. Her work is testament to her love of fine detail, technical mastery and creative experimentation. She explores stories, concepts and themes inspired by the celestial and metaphysical, while also being influenced by the traditions of her Maori, English, and Scottish heritage. And although each piece has a powerful story and underlying meaning, it is also a celebration of the pure, innate, seductive beauty of its natural materials
Te Rongo’s art has been showcased around the world including exhibitions in Vancouver, San Francisco, and Canberra, as well as here at home in Aotearoa New Zealand – and now at Waiheke.
Here are few words from Te Rongo about her work and Maori whakapapa.
“In my practice I am interested in exploring archetypal symbolism that signals sacred ritual, and marks significant events in moments of time, that then become immortalised in memory.
Tamaki Makaurau Tribal Affiliations: Te Wai o Hua, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Te Kauwerau A Maki.
“I am a descendant of the Tainui tribes that once occupied Rangitoto, Motutapu and Waiheke islands. There is a story of ours about a duel that took place on Rangitoto between Hoturua of Tainui and Tamatekapua of the Arawa canoe.
Both claimed to be the first to have set up a tuahu or sacred altar, laying claim to ownership of the island. In the duel Tamatekapua was struck by Hoturua drawing blood, which ended the dispute. This became known as “Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua” (the day Tamatekapua shed blood) today the site is known as Rangitoto.”
You can learn more about the artist at her website www.terongo.com