April 2024 - Bay of Plenty Business News

April 2024 BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS NEWS 13
CULTURE
> BOP ARTS UPDATE
AROHANOA
MATHEWS
Ngā Toi Māori Navigator
Creative Bay of Plenty | Te Waka Auaha
Toi has announced the new appointment
of Arohanoa Mathews in the Ngā Toi Māori
Navigator role.
Arohanoa (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti
Ranginui) is a multifaceted artist
whose creative journey has been
deeply rooted in familial influence and
mentorship spanning generations.
She brings invaluable insight into the
balance between tradition and innovation
within indigenous arts, and passionate
advocacy for the preservation, innovation,
and revitalisation of Māori arts,
firmly believing in the empowerment of
Māori creatives as the cornerstone of a
thriving arts community.
Creative Bay of Plenty asked Arohanoa
some pātai about her background
and experience, and what she is looking
forward to…
Can you tell us about your
background as an artist and how
your experiences have shaped
your understanding of the Māori
arts landscape?
“My journey as an artist has been cultivated
through generations of whānau
influence and mentorship where I was
often immersed in creative activities
such as painting, kapahaka and weaving.
Being surrounded by creative whānau
instilled in me an appreciation for the
transformative power of art.
“I was formally trained at Art and
Design School in Auckland which led me
to working at the Auckland Art Gallery,
where I had the privilege of immersing
myself in the cultural landscape of New
Zealand’s art and history. Here, I developed
my skills as a budding artist with
group and solo exhibitions showcased
at local galleries but also as an educator,
with 25 years’ experience as an art
teacher.
“Additionally, my connections with
contemporary Māori artists provided
invaluable insights and better understanding
of tradition and innovation
within the indigenous arts, further
enriching my own creative perspective
and practice.
“Through these experiences, I have
come to view and execute art as a means
of self-expression which has also shaped
for me a better understanding of the
Māori arts landscape. I strongly believe
that by recognising the importance of
cultural preservation, innovation, and
revitalisation within the Māori arts community,
and investing in empowering
indigenous artists, we will thrive.”
What excites you most about
taking on the role of Ngā Toi
Māori Navigator at Creative Bay of
Plenty?
“What excites me most is the opportunity
to foster cultural empowerment and
advocacy for Māori artists through connection
and understanding of our culture,
mātauranga and practices.
“I am energised by the prospect of
working collaboratively with Māori artists,
community leaders, and stakeholders
to amplify voices that have historically
been marginalised and to create
spaces where cultural identity and heritage
can flourish.”
How do you see the interaction
and relationship between art and
culture?
“Art and culture are deeply intertwined
and serve as a cornerstone of Māori
identity, storytelling, and spiritual
expression. It goes beyond aesthetics
but rather is a means of communication,
connection, celebration, and cultural
preservation.
“It is most integral to acknowledge
that sovereignty over cultural knowledge
and practice is retained and respected
whether it be traditional or contemporary
art.”
> I strongly believe that by recognising the importance of
cultural preservation, innovation, and revitalisation within
the Ma _ ori arts community, and investing in empowering
indigenous artists, we will thrive.”
What are your aspirations for
your role within Creative Bay of
Plenty?
“Serving in this role means being a catalyst
for positive change, advocating for
the recognition and celebration of Māori
art and culture on both local and global
stages. To do this effectively, I aim to confront
cultural injustices, challenge dominant
narratives, and assert Māori sovereignty
and self-determination within key
spaces.
“Additionally, I am passionate about
leveraging the arts as a tool for social
and economic development within the
Māori community, promoting education,
entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices
that contribute to long-term prosperity
and well-being.”
What’s your favourite way to
unwind and recharge creatively
outside of work?
“I am privileged to be residing on our
whenua in Matapihi, Tauranga and often
am recharged and inspired to paint the
rich and beautiful taiao (environment)
that surrounds my whānau and I, daily.
Hauora by way of time together, in particular
keeping our health and fitness
as a priority, is also important to my
whānau and I.”
What’s the most interesting or
unusual piece of art you’ve ever
created, and what inspired it?
“My most interesting and memorable
pieces of art I’ve created were for my
fourth year of art school class critique
assessment. I organised my assessment
to be held on Tuhua (Mayor Island) here
in the Bay of Plenty, with my Auckland
class and tutors in tow.
“My paintings were inspired by my
whakapapa to Tuhua and the taiao (environment)
with a focus on translucent
layers and textures to emulate the surrounding
manu, ika, kohatu and obsidian
(rocks).
“The series of paintings that I presented
for my critique have been the
foundation of my methodology, painting
processes and developed self-identity.”