Taupuru (Ariki) Brightwell is an indigenous artist of Māori, Tahitian and Rarotongan descent, a descendant of indigenous artists and Polynesian waka builders on both sides of her family. She is a full-time multimedia artist known for her graphic design, sculpture, and large-scale mural work- all creative expressions of her heritage.
“I was born into the world of waka and the world of art which are intertwined because our waka carries our art and our genealogy,”
Her paintings often serve as an in-depth reflection of our historical past in relation to the current political landscape we face today. She has a deep passion for creativity, history and storytelling, giving her a sense of duty to pass on the legacy of art in Te Ao Māori.
