Exhibition title: “He kākano āhau” which translates to “I am a seed”
It is from an ancient Māori proverb (whakataukī) that is well known throughout all Māori tribes in New Zealand.
“E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rāngiatea”
“I will never be lost, for I am a seed sown in Rangiātea”
The concept of He Kākano is that of growth, development and expansion, the seed represents greatness. Even before the seed is planted it has the inherent potential to grow into an enormous tree.
A person like a seed is inextricably linked to generations who have gone and yet to come, it cannot be isolated of detached from those connections. It is both history and potential.
In the Artists words just because Māori are no longer living in New Zealand, and not practicing culture or fluent in Māori language it does not mean that Māori are lost, we are still Māori and we carry the very essence of what it means to be Māori within us, which is why the Central Theme of the exhibition will be “He Kākano” or “Seed”. It is simply to remind those Māori living in Australia that they are Māori and should be proud of who they are and their culture.'
by Amy (coordinator)
I am planning to create an artwork that works with the Giant Rata tree I visited with in Te Urewera, NZ - the forest with human rights.