Rihari Campbell-Collier
Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Te Whakatōhea, Ngai Tai, Te Whānau-ā- Apanui
About the Artist
Rihari Campbell-Collier is a contemporary Māori artist of Te Aitanga-ā-Māhaki, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tai, and Te Whānau-ā-Apanui descent. His practice embraces the importance of indigenous narratives in this modern age. Rihari’s paintings pay tribute to ancestral stories and the turbulent colonial history while addressing contemporary issues faced by rangatahi Māori. Drawing inspiration from his mātua tīpuna Rihari’s practice is intrinsically connected to whakapapa, te reo me ōna tikanga and pūrākau.
His work, primarily in acrylic on canvas, explores themes of identity, femininity and sexuality while interweaving whakapapa and pūrākau. Rihari’s practice depicts and reflects a legacy of Māori culture and the ever-changing struggle to reclaim Rangatiratanga and Mana Māori Motuhake. Through his work, he offers a contemporary interpretation of the interconnections of the past, present, future and the ever- evolving identity in a modern context. Rihari Campbell-Collier’s artwork is a testament to the enduring legacy and creativity of the Indigenous experience and perspective.
Te Ara i Whiti
Tēnei Te Tirahou, 2024
Pou haki description
The impact of colonisation and ongoing oppression exacted by successive Governments is deeply entrenched in the history of this nation. The pou haki is premised upon the enduring legacy of resistance and resilience in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa and the Mataatua region. “Tēnei te Tirahou” embodies succession in the pursuit of Mana Māori Motuhake and Rangatiratanga.
The Ringatu Movement
The haki pays homage to the Ringatu Movement. This movement was a beacon of hope during the turbulent years of Raupatu. E hoki, Whakahautia te Rongopai i runga i te Ngawari me te Aroha (proclaim the good word of humble faith and love) uttered by Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki the founder of Te Haahi Ringatu.
Toitū te Whenua! Toitū te Reo! Toitū te Tiriti! Tīhei Mauriora!
You can find “Tēnei Te Tirahou” at Te Ara i whiti from October 4 – October 13, 2024 at Kelvin and Marina Park.
