Trust the process and those to whom they have been invested : an exhibition report presented as a partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Māori Visual Arts, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Wahine Māori have played instrumental roles as leads with both projects, which is evident in my learning as the practitioner. Wahine Māori artists in this report are highlighted as agents of change and enablers who support and create space for growth and take the lead when needed. This exhibition report navigates the firsthand experiences of two projects that formally catalysed my art practice. The report has no literature review but shares ideologies that support wahine toa to take leadership roles that are perceived as the responsibilities given to the male counterpart. Wahine Māori led both community projects to serve their communities. The projects drew from the customary arts of kowhaiwhai and taniko designs to embellish the new build ‘Te Hononga’ and refurbish an existing whare, the NorthTec whare Te Puna o Te Mātauranga. My current work demonstrates my applied methodologies from the context of working in collaboration with others. Values of manaakitanga, ahurutanga, and whanaungatanga supported the projects. My thesis exhibition celebrates where I am and uses kowhaiwhai design units to create multiple visual narratives. This exhibition report navigates the firsthand experiences of two community projects that provided the catalyst for my art practice into the future. I have extracted shapes from an existing composition. I utilise colour and paint applications to give new relevance to my practice and nurture my continued ideals of working for my communities.