Ngaroma Riley
Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Pākehā
About the Artist
Ngaroma Riley (Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Pākehā) is an artist and curator based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Ngaroma began her carving journey making buddhist statues while living and working in Japan. Since returning to Aotearoa in 2020 she has completed a Certificate in Whakairo at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. In 2022 she built a storehouse for a sculptural installation at Kaitaia and was shortlisted for the 2023 Kingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award. She is known for her karetao (hand-carved puppets) and love of chainsaws
Te Ara i Whiti
Kapahaka Queen, 2024
This work is a shout out to all those aspiring Kapahaka Queens and those who love and live for kapa haka. The elevated carving at the entrance indicates the whare tapere or house of entertainment. The work is a life size karetao (Māori puppet) and holds poi in both hands which can be swung to the tune of a classic waiata poi
Workshop
Ngaroma will be hosting two free Paper Karetao (Puppet) workshop at Te Ara i Whiti on October 5th from 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm. All are welcome
You can find “Kapahaka Queen” at Te Ara i whiti from October 4 – October 13, 2024 at Kelvin and Marina Park.
