BLOG — Paora Tiatoa

Get to know Paora Tiatoa while also getting a sneak peak of his work that will be showcased in his solo exhibition at ORA Gallery on October 29.  Paora Pictured In His Studio Paora is an artist of Ngapuhi and Ngati Raukawa descent, currently living and creating his prints on Matakana Island. He works in his very own quirky studio, with half it being inside a 40 ft shipping container and the other half being his lounge! Māori Go Round Original Print by Paora Tiatoa Paora originally painted abstract shape formations, but switched to contemporary Māori art as a senior in...

Matariki 2020 is set to be an exciting time across Aotearoa. Much of Wellington city will come together to reflect, celebrate and renew. Matariki festivals will range from events, exhibitions, performances and opportunities to learn more about Māori tikanga and culture. Here at ORA we are celebrating the 7 days of Matariki by showcasing 7 diverse and talented kiwi artists. As legend tells, Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) used to lie in a tight embrace with their children stuck in the darkness between them. Their tamariki (children) were torn on whether to separate their parents, as their parting...

On Thursday October 29th ORA Gallery hosted “Traded Not Faded”, a solo exhibition featuring Paora Tiatoa.   “My main source of inspiration is from ‘Taonga Maori’ book that was published by the British Museum about artifacts that had been traded and are currently stored there.  I make The Taonga into characters, I bring them to life, give them energy and personality, and create a humorous fusion of them and my own life experiences.  I held myself at a distance from things Māori for many years. My upbringing was dysfunctional and I am a relatively late starter to the art world. However, the process...