‘Orokohanga’ – the beginning of the world

Orokohanga – the beginning of the world - is an art exhibition that celebrates and explores the Māori stories and teachings about the way the world was created. It will lead you on a journey through the beginning of time, from darkness into light, and explore the balance of the powerful forces still at play in the world today. 

The art has been created by two old friends; John Moriarty of Ngati Toa Rangatira and Ngai Tahu iwi and Gavin Reedy of Ngati Porou, who have a relationship of nearly 40 years.  

Together, they have brought to life key concepts and ideas from orokohanga; which itself is a cornerstone of the Māori worldview.  

The exhibit, which includes Gavin’s Sculptures carved from wood that has washed up in Te Whanganui a Tara, (The great harbour of Tara – Wellington Harbour). The Sculptures have been carved and mounted on industrial steel bases. There will also have ceramic and native wood taonga on display.

Gavin’s pieces celebrate the deeds of Tane Mahuta, Tangaroa and their brothers and the mana that comes with being Māori. He is inspired by Te Orokohanga o te Ao Māori, as the genesis of the Māori worldview.

Gavin has been involved in several art and poetry exhibitions but this is his first sculpture exhibition. 

John’s work centres on Tiki, as the first man. John’s perspective is that Tiki should be celebrated just as we celebrate Hineahuone as the first woman. He says we need the male essence to balance our culture. John works in several media, clay being his mainstay at the moment and he has taught himself the art of moulding again using Tiki as the subject. He will also have heru (hair combs to adorn the hair) carved from native wood, and these stunning pieces are always in high demand. 

John and Gavin’s work convey their belief that since the separation of Sky Father and Earth Mother and the birth of the atua (gods) Maori there has always been conflict. However, this conflict is balanced out with aroha, (love and concern) manaakitanga (kindness and respect) and whanaungatanga (relationships, kinships, family).  

 

When

Location

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po, 10 Bath Street, Levin, 5510, View Map