Wairere
"Wairere," translating to "flying water," takes on a deeper significance in this sculptural work. Here, it speaks not only of the rain cascading from the heavens but also of the vital network of rivers and freshwater reservoirs it feeds. These waterways are the lifeblood of the land, sustaining all who dwell within its embrace. The sculpture's intricate pattern draws inspiration from the rich visual language of turapa (tukutuku), weaving an aramoana design. This pattern symbolizes the journey of fresh water as it flows from its source, making its way toward the vastness of the sea. The sculpture's form itself evokes the powerful poutokomanawa—the central support post that upholds the entire structure of the whare. Just as the poutokomanawa is essential to the whare's integrity, so too are these "flying waters" essential to the vitality of life. Without the pure, life-giving essence of fresh water, survival itself becomes precarious. This work serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the profound importance of protecting these precious resources.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kereama Taepa studied for his Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts at Massey University in Palmerston North, and continued on to gain his Masters degree. Taepa’s involvement in the arts have been broad and varied participating in various national and international arts residencies, symposiums, workshops and hui.
He has exhibited his art nationally and internationally, and has works in collections across New Zealand and abroad. He has recently unveiled ‘Tohorā’ on the Kāpiti Coast, 2020 as well as 'Pōhutukawa’ on the Tauranga Waterfront, 2018. Other major public works include the ‘a (very) brief history of aotearoa’ sculptures for the Four Plinths Sculpture Project in Wellington, 2016 and a public sculpture titled ‘tichi’ in New Plymouth, 2015. He is a Supreme Award winner of the Rotorua Art Awards 2017, the Molly Morpeth 2D Art Award in 2008 and recently received the Runner Up Award at the National Art Awards 2018.
For the last decade, Taepa has sought to establish himself as Aotearoa’s most leading contemporary Māori digital artist. His work explores themes of digital culture and its impact on Māori culture - and how Māori can use technology to further serve the generations of the future. His work utilizes emergent technologies such as projection, 3D printing, Augmented Reality and Virtual reality to tell narratives of the past and the present. This has resulted in his work being the first digital artwork to be acquired by the Parliamentary Collection in 2023.