Pō Whakanui: Rāmere 21 Poutūterangi, 6pm
Opening: Friday 21 March, 6pm

Join us from 6pm Friday 21 at Begonia House to celebrate the opening of this exhibition with Tīpurepure Au Va'ine.

Tīpurepure Au Va’ine is an exhibition featuring the works of the Porirua based Cook Islands sewing group of the same name and multi-disciplinary artist, Jamie Berry. Through the work of tīvaevae and soundscape, these artists pay homage to whakapapa, imagery and oro (sound) reminiscent of their homelands. This offsite exhibition at Begonia House, curated by Tehani Ngapare Rau-Te-Tara Buchanan, honours the many Cook Islanders who have found Begonia House to be a place of connection and inspiration while living in the diaspora.

Image courtesy of Renati Waaka.

Tīpurepure Au Va’ine is a Porirua based group of va’ine (women) from across the Cook Islands that participate, learn and teach the artform of tīvaevae (hand quilting). Gathering weekly, the mamas (elder women) and mokopuna (grandchildren) share ancestral knowledge, akapapa’anga (genealogy) and a healthy dose of community gossip in Cook Islands Māori that flows freely between joyous laughter. Skilled in a variety of hand embroidery techniques, pattern making and colour, the va’ine of Tīpurepure Au Va’ine create tīvaevae that challenge traditional norms, resulting in tīvaevae that are unique and identifiable to their makers. Their tīvaevae have been exhibited throughout the years including at Pātaka, Enjoy Contemporary Art Space and Object Space in Tāmaki Makau-Rau. 

Tīpurepure Au Va’ine operate an open door and welcome new members who want to learn this distinctive artform. 

Current members:

Te Tua o Te Rai Akaiti Samuel (Aitutaki, Manihiki, Rakahanga)
Miimetua Pareina (1944-2017) (Mangaia)
Reuera Vaerua (Aitutaki, Rarotonga)
Upokoina O Teariki Puia Aerengamate Tekeu (Rarotonga)
Teremoana O Maua Hodges (Atiu, Rarotonga) 
Reverend Mau Vaerua (Aitutaki), patron 
Margaret Thompson (Aitutaki, Manihiki, Rakahanga)
Teremoana Ngatoro (Aitutaki, Nukuroa, Rarotonga)
Tehani Ngapare Rau-Te-Tara Buchanan (Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Nukuroa) 
Portia Tiare McQueen (Mangaia) 
Noopai Burns (Nukuroa) 
Toni Rasmussen (Nukuroa, Rarotonga)
Mosie Maoate (Aitutaki)
Kura Hakirere Edwards  (Aitutaki, Manihiki, Rakahanga) 
Turaarii Ngatupunga (Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia)

Jamie Berry (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhakaata, Ngāpuhi) a Multidisciplinary Artist from Tūranganui-a-kiwa now in Pōneke, creates art exploring Aotearoa histories and her identity. Her work, rooted in whakapapa, blends digital content, DNA soundscape, and installation to reimagine stories. She delves into frequency, vibration and energy's impact using her DNA code, meditative frequencies, and natural elements. As a Digital Artist at Tātai Aho Rau, she works on projects like brand identity and animation. Additionally, Jamie explores soundscape, moving image, and installation. Her work has been showcased globally, including at the Oberhausen Film Festival and winning the Momentous Music Awards for "Māreikura Lumina" in collaboration with other artists.

Tehani Ngapare Rau-Te-Tara Buchanan (she/her/ia) is an educator, Senior Advisor for a Government org, writer, māmā of two and curator of beautiful things. Born in Rarotonga, she is of Cook Islands Māori (Aitutaki, Rarotonga, Mitiaro, Mangaia) and Scottish descent. 
Finding joy in interior design, fashion styling, creative direction, writing and conceptual experiences, Tehani’s creative practice centres on life experiences, self-expression as a healing modality and indigenous reclamation. Her current artistic focus is learning the art of tivaevae, under the nurturing tutelage of local Cook Islands mamas, imbuing a unique perspective to the traditional art form. 
Tehani is based in Parirua, Te Whanganui-a-Tara with her two children, Amalija & Gabrijel and is committed to raising her children in their culture and reo rangatira.