Pōhutukawa - Paper Print

Pōhutukawa
Printed on Archival Fine Art Paper
Comes in A4, A3 or A2

This whetū 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. 

In 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. 

This 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.

I loved creating this toi for our very special group Matariki exhibition.