Crimson Wikaira 13GLL, 10 Ngā Toi

Tēnā koutou e te whānau

This is my whakaahua kiriaro (self portrait) which I created in Ngā Toi class.

We researched Māori artist Robyn Kahukiwa and learnt about her style, and in particular, how she uses symbolism in her art.

Whaea Sarah took a photograph of me in a korowai and then printed this onto thick painting paper so that I could personalise my whakaahua kiriaro.

I chose to paint my korowai translucent blue to symbolise water and because swimming is my favourite thing to do in summer. I then added feathers, which represents a traditional style of a korowai.

For the background, I chose the colours ochre and warm brown to represent sand. I used the dry brush painting technique, which allows the base colour to show through, and adds depth and texture to the painting. The koru motif around me represents “creation, life and hope” which I painted in green to resemble pounamu.

I really LOVED creating my tukutuku side panels with water-soluble coloured pencils because colouring in is so much fun. I chose colours that I had already used in my centre portrait panel so that this matched. Then I used water and a paintbrush to give a watercolour effect.

I am very proud of my whakaahua kiriaro and have shown lots of my teachers and friends. Now I get to show all of you.

Written with support from Whaea Sarah and verbal input by Crimson