KŌWHAIWHAI TOI MĀTATUHI (Printmaking)

This is my kōwhaiwhai print, which I created in Ngā Toi Māori. Our mahi toi is inspired by the works of ringa toi (artists) Tracy Tawhiao and Sandy Adsett.

Kōwhaiwhai is a traditional Māori pattern used to tell stories, with each pattern and design holding its own meaning.

My artwork is inspired by the tuatara (lizard). I chose the tuatara because I like its shape and the curve of its body. I felt it was a good challenge to design it into a kōwhaiwhai pattern. Part of my design features the tuatara’s long tail, arms, legs, and head, which I simplified to fit the kōwhaiwhai style. I spent time refining the koru elements to make them detailed.

I then worked my design into a square format with a diagonal composition, which enabled it to be printed on 45-degree rotations to achieve variations to my design. My favourite design was printed 4 times with the tuatara head pointing toward the middle, giving it a circular effect. 

My favourite part of printmaking was learning new techniques, such as carving the block and inking the colours to reveal the design. I enjoyed experimenting with different arrangements to find what worked best.

I am very proud of the artwork I have created, how it expresses my talent, and what I am capable of achieving.

Mani Rihia

Year 9 Ngā Toi