Copyright Mana Moana Collective
— Te Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru, 2015
Utilising digital technologies, notions of the ‘virtual’, mauri and ceremony in connecting taonga and people through time and across distance, Te Mauri commemorates a tauihu[1] (Te Atiawa) and the tira who travelled with the taonga for the exhibition Te Maori 1984-1985 (USA) and Te Hokinga Mai 1986-1987 (NZ). Te Mauri was presented as a holographic sculptural work in Trigger Points, New York in 2016 (J Pallitz Gallery, Syracuse University, New York City).
For Mana Moana Te Mauri is a remastered animation for the presentation of a 360° immersive visual and aural experience. Within this online format the audience can direct their view within the pixels of light points which make up this digital taonga image. The karakia and maioha calls the image into presence; the taonga, the ancestors and the event that brought these together. It is through ceremony and taonga pathways that we remember who we are: we are mouri, we are light consciousness sustained and light-emitting through our experience here in Te Ao Marama.
Te ara tuunui
Te ara tuuroa
Te ara tuuaatea mutunga kore
Te maara tu aatea mutunga kore [2]
https://collection.pukeariki.com/objects/21894
[2] Te Huirangi Eruera Waikerepuru, personal communication, Jan 2012. In,Stuart Foster & Kura Puke, “Kapo Ka Pō Awatea. ” Memory Connection V.3 No.1 (2019). The Memory Waka Research Group Massey University, p.158.
Concept and visuals: Stuart Foster & Kura Puke
Te Reo Maioha: Kurt Komene
Reo Po’hiri: Hinemoa Erueti Waikerepuru
The kaupapa was led by Te Matahiapo Research Group, with great appreciation to the tautoko from Puke Ariki Museum raua ko Manukorihi Pā Trust.
Copyright Mana Moana Collective