Hokopapa : an exhibition report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Maori Visual Arts at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This exhibition report details the evolution and processes related to fibre work created for Hokopapa, the Master of Maori Visual Arts Thesis exhibition at Mahara Gallery in Waikanae in February 2018. This work has evolved over a period of three years researching my Moriori whakapapa. I wanted to illustrate through weaving the importance of family connections and in particular my personal connection to Nga Moriori. I have looked at ways of manipulating customary weaving materials and techniques to create a freestanding tree formation. Trees were not only significant in the daily lives of Moriori but also represent genealogy within mainstream New Zealand. The metaphor of the tree signifies the grounding of each of us to Papatuanuku, enveloping us within the never-ending cycle of life, a cycle that is out of the hands of all of us.