A fiery red image made up of hundreds of red glowing stars on a black background. In some parts of the image the stars have so many layers it almost becomes a block colour. The layering of the image creates depth.

Still from Te Kahui o Matariki (2021) Kauri Wharewera

InstallationPuninga Toi

Matariki Commission 2021: Kauri Wharewera

Kauri Wharewera's work Te kahui o Matariki is the second annual Matariki commission for Masons Screen.

This Matariki, CIRCUIT is pleased to present Te kahui o Matariki (2021) by Kauri Wharewera (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Ngāti Kahungunu). Te kahui o Matariki is CIRCUIT's second annual Matariki commission for Masons Screen and runs 6 July–2 August 2021. Te kahui o Matariki is curated by Israel Randell.

Kauri Wharewera is a Papaioea-based Māori artist who creates digital tukutuku using photography techniques and a laser pointer. Informed by his taamoko practice, Wharewera uses the laser as a type of uhi, etching into the darkness to reveal light.

Kauri's moving image acknowledges each star in the Matariki cluster and the role they play individually and collectively. “I’m interested in how we come together during this critical time of year both spiritually, physically and economically."

During the making of Te kahui o Matariki, Wharewera has been listening to the 0800 Matariki podcast as a point of reference weaving it into his own understanding, however, star navigation has always been important to his practice and his iwi.

Israel Randell (Tainui, Ngāti Kahungunu, Cook Islands) was CIRCUIT’s 2020 Mana Moana Resident and is currently exhibitions curator at Whakatāne Museum & Arts.

Installation details

Masons Lane, Wellington
July 5, 2021 - August 1, 2021

    He ringatoi anōRelated artist

    A fiery red image of hundreds of red glowing stars on a black background. The stars have so many layers in some parts of the image that it almost becomes a block colour.

    Kauri Wharewera

    Kauri Wharewera

    CIRCUIT is the
    leading voice
    for artist moving image
    practice
    in Aotearoa New Zealand,
    distributing works,
    critical review and
    dialogues
    which reflect our unique, contemporary
    South Pacific context.

    Ko CIRCUIT te māngai
    mō ngā mahi toi kiriata
    o Aotearoa, e tuku
    atu ana i ngā mahi toi,
    i ngā arotakenga
    me ngā whakawhitinga
    kōrero e kitea ai
    ngā āhuatanga
    motuhake o tō tātou noho i te ao hou ki
    Te Moananui-a-Kiwa.

    • AccessibilityNgā Āwhina
    • PrivacyTe Matatapu
    Creative New Zealand