Aroha mai is a Māori phrase that translates literally to "love towards me" or a call for compassion. In modern everyday usage, it is commonly accepted and defined as meaning "I'm sorry," "my apologies," or a gentle expression of sympathy.
Hikurangi meticulously hand-carves into layers upon layers of paint from her Wellington studio, a technique she calls mahi whakairo peita. Often guided by her tīpuna, she uses contrasting colours to acknowledge contemporary lifestyles, whilst telling stories of the past, present, & future. The soft, yet confident curves of the koru give depth & texture, drawing you in to an art that must be touched. All of which speaks to the dichotomy of the two worlds she navigates.
