Te Reo Tātaki o te Ringa: Māori Narratives and Contemporary Technology

Abstract

<p>This research explores how Māori tradition and narratives along with modern fabrication techniques can be used to make contemporary Māori design. The aim of this thesis is to document my work history and findings; and to add to the continuation of contemporary Māori design discourse. Part of the documentation process was interviewing leading Māori artists and craftspeople. This helped me to develop and reflect upon my tikanga (correct procedure), which in turn allowed me to create a body of physical works that fulfilled the compositional component of this thesis. There are two dominating components to my work: the engagement of narratives which I have a personal interest in and my use of new technologies to generate these works. The narratives used predominantly relate to my Māori cultural heritage and background. These stories have captured my imagination and I have enjoyed expressing them in a way that departs from the customary tribal style and creates a personal contemporary design approach that is distinctly my own.</p>