Ephraim Russell

Iwi:  Kai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Rangitane ki Tamaki Nui a Rua

Aronga Toi: Mahi Toi, Whakairo

Akonga:

Ephraim Russell, a descendant of Kai Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Rangitane ki Tamaki Nui a Rua, is a multi-media, contemporary Māori artist. Ephraim holds a Master’s in Māori Visual Arts from Massey University, is a graduate of Toihoukura, and is also studying Whakairo at Te Wānanga O Aotearoa. His works are strong across a range of disciplines- large-scale murals, three-dimensional printing, installation, and sculptural works. Russell’s work explores notions of history and tradition, local narratives, and the advancement of Māori visual language, informed by a Māori worldview framework.

Kaupapa:

One of his key passions is playing disc golf, a professional sport in which a player skillfully aims discs towards specific targets, completing the course in the least amount of throws possible. Ephraim has paid homage through his disc designs to significant birds native to Aotearoa- Kōtare, Ruru, Pekapeka, Tūī, and Kāhu. Unlike recreational frisbees, these discs are designed to the highest standards and approved by the PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) for championship players.