Whatu Kete

Limited Edition Print 9/10 by Nyle Turuwhenua

Dimensions: 450 x 625mm (Framed)

Drypoint etching

‘Kete Whatu’ explores the sharing of knowledge, both the teachings that have been preserved and those that have been lost or forgotten. The kete, a vessel for gathering, becomes a metaphor for the accumulation of wisdom passed through generations. Each interwoven whenu (strand) represents a piece of knowledge, a story, or a skill woven together by the threads of whakapapa, culture, and language.

This drypoint etching speaks to the reclamation of that which has been forgotten or lost. It reflects the struggle and resilience in retrieving knowledge. ‘Kete Whatu’ encourages us to reclaim what was once lost, reweaving the threads that connect us to our past, and to remind us that the knowledge we carry forward is powerful for future generations.

Drypoint etching is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image/ drawing is scratched directly onto a metal or acrylic plate using a sharp needle. The action of drawing raises a burr (a ridge of displaced material) along the lines, which holds ink and creates rich, velvety marks when printed. Ink is applied to the plate and then wiped so it remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then run through a printing press with damp paper, transferring the image onto the paper under pressure. Each print captures the delicate textures and expressive quality of the hand-drawn lines.