“Harakeke-Whanau”, “Harakeke-He Tangata”
During my research on HARAKEKE as the subject of my artworks for the Friends of the Gardens exhibition I learnt how the meaning of “WHANAU” is closely connected to Harakeke plants and how each part of the plant represents a member of different generations of the family. I also came across the Maori proverb “Hutia te Rito” which illustrates well the value and importance of “HE TANGATA” (people).
I bring to my work the concept of identity and how it keeps evolving and (re)shaping along life, with experiences and influences from cultures, people, and places we come across.
For the Harakeke – He Tangata those influences are evident when I incorporated Japanese shodo stroke reminiscent from the time spent in Japan, together with the stippling technique I assimilated by observing my late grandfather drawing in Brazil. All together while working on a New Zealand theme with universal values.
I grew up in a creative environment where I felt encouraged to experiment with art and attended studios of different artists and art schools where I got familiarised with a variety of techniques. I took part in group and solo exhibitions in Brazil and Portugal. My background is in architecture and I am currently working on picture books, illustrating and writing them.
hello@robertaqueiroga.com
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PO Box 84-340 Westgate, Auckland 0657
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