Manawanui

Item number 2769/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Serigraph print with Maori and Musqueam design elements. The circular abstract pattern of a Salish spindle whorl is presented in black, red, white and light brown. Written in pencil outside the lower edge of the design are the print number (96/99), title and signature of all three artists.

Iconographic Meaning

The centre arrangement depicts the essence of life and the evolution of death symbolised by two spirals opposing each other.

Narrative

Featured in the book Kahui Whetu: Contemporary Maori Art, A Carver's Perspective. The artists wrote: "The phenomenon of life exists within nature's splendour. As the land draws its breath from the winds above, so too does it exhale with the receding tides of the ocean. This interpretation of land, sea and air is likened to the majestic bird, the Hokioi (native eagle, Roi Toia), who traverses the realms of the over worlds, the Thunder Lizard (Susan Point) who protects the "life principle" of the land, and the Whai (sting ray, Todd Couper) who patrols the domain of the under worlds." The connection between these three artists grew following visits in New Zealand and Vancouver.