Kaka-aku

ABOUT THE 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. 

Rosalie Koko is a Te Whanganui-a-Tara based artist, descending from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga and Olosega. She has a diverse practice that spans painting and textiles, building on traditional modes of making grounded in whakapapa. Tīpuna/tupuga created patterns with inherent connotational meaning, passed down through the traditional arts of kōwhawhai, raranga and siapo. Rosalie examines the tension between pattern and figurative imagery as modes of expression.

Bobby Luke (Ngāti Ruanui, Taranaki) is a prac-ademic who works at the intersection of academic research and creative practice. He sees practice-led research as a means of exploring new and innovative approaches to design, methodology and creative impact. Dr. Luke is not impartial or apologetic about the promotion of Kaupapa Māori led design and aims to promote a greater understanding of Indigenous design culture, and to challenge the dominance of Western design paradigms and pedagogy.  Dr. Luke also has his own brand, Campbell Luke –  traversing practices of moving image and photography, as a means to visually communicate and disseminate his research.

Vince Ropitini is an uri of Taranaki, Ngāruahinerangi me Whakatōhea. Following the completion of a Bachelor of Design, graduating with First Class Honours in Fashion, he has continued to develop his own label, Obsolescence Clothing. This acts as a reflection of his own journey, as well as being a point of reference for the preservation of mātauranga Māori. Cultural sustainability is found at the core of his design development, not only as a vessel for preserving the knowledge of his ancestors, but as a personal journey of reconnecting with his heritage. Each and every one of Ropitini’s garments tell a story, with the wairua of the storyteller being woven into each piece as it is created.