Description

This artwork was inspired by the beautiful weather on a sunny day in the Cook Islands. The sunlight streaming through the clouds represents the grace and glory of God.

The piece balances traditional Polynesian designs with Poutama (stairway) patterns that represent various churches. It reflects both original cultural beliefs and newer Christian beliefs, which Tipene believes can coexist.

The manaia figure at the top left represents the spiritual guardians of sky, land, and sea. It can be seen as a bird — or, if flipped upside down, a skink (a small lizard). This figure is regarded as a kaitiaki (guardian) by the Rarotongan people.

For Watercolour, border prints:

Image A2: 59.4 x 42cm. Paper size: 70 x 52.5cm (5cm border)

Image A3: 42 x 29.7cm. Paper size: 50.5 x 37.5cm (4cm border)

Image A4: 29.7 x 21cm. Paper size: 36 x 27cm  (3cm border)   

White borders/paper size applies only on watercolour paper, framed in Slimeline Contemporary Frame with glass.  

Box frame images printed on high quality satin print paper with no borders.

Artist's Bio

Tipene is a Māori artist specialising in Māori visual arts, including tā moko and kōwhaiwhai. He is from Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāi Te Rangi from Tauranga, Ngāti Hine of the Far North (Kaikohe), and Ngāi Tahu and Rangitāne of the South Island, with connections to Kaikōura and Blenheim (Waiharakeke). Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.

His practice primarily utilises acrylic paint and ink pen, and he has held a strong passion for Māori visual arts from a young age. In 2015, he completed a Certificate in Māori Art and Design at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga, before progressing to complete two years of a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Art & Design), also at Toi Ohomai.

He is committed to continuing the development of his artistic style and technical skills, with the long-term goal of completing a teaching qualification specialising in Māori Art and Design.