Ko ahau te ngira, Ko te ngira ko ahau : reconstructing cultural identity : an exhibition report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Māori Visual Arts at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This exhibition report will document the development of my mahi with the aim of reconstructing my identity through research into my multi-cultural identity of Māori, Sāmoan and Pākeha heritage. It will examine identity in relation to the ongoing deconstruction and re-construction of my own identity. It seeks to acknowledge key artistic influences and experiences that have shaped my identity, to provide context to the accompanying exhibition. My past works and research over the last ten years have always maintained whakapapa as a Kaupapa Matua. Learning my whakapapa has been my emancipated response to a lifetime of experienced and historical trauma and colonisation. This research has also established the foundation that has enabled my cultural disconnection to be rebuilt. Through this process, my understanding and interpretation of who I am has been extended and developed.