{"product_id":"pohutukawa-original-painting","title":"Pōhutukawa | Original Painting","description":"\u003cp\u003ePōhutukawa\u003cbr\u003e910mm x 605mm\u003cbr\u003eAcrylics on Canvas \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis painting is my interpretation of the star Pōhutukawa in the Matariki cluster, which centres around remembering those we have lost, particularly in the past year. In this painting I wanted to visualise the connection with the ancestral, unseen realm. The whetū (stars) over the hearts of the figures represent our wairua which is our spirit, our unique soul essence. The faces in the clouds represent our tūpuna, benevolent ancestors watching over us. And the two kawakawa leaves connected by a single stem represent the interconnection and love for them that transcends death. Even though we are physically separate from whānau who have passed, we remain energetically connected and they watch over us. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Te Ao Māori death is not seen as the end, it is seen as a transition. It varies among iwi but many traditions say that your wairua travels on in the afterlife, up to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) eventually making its way to Hawaiki the ancestral homeland. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis whetū reminds us to reflect on and connect with our departed whānau and tūpuna. In a world full of so much distraction and disconnection, taking a moment to be present and remember them reminds us of what’s really important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI loved creating this toi for our very special group Matariki exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art by Emma Evangeline","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51999610175704,"sku":null,"price":2200.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0644\/9076\/6552\/files\/webe.jpg?v=1784461070","url":"https:\/\/emmaevangeline.shop\/products\/pohutukawa-original-painting","provider":"Art by Emma Evangeline","version":"1.0","type":"link"}