Maia Gibbs

Maia Gibbs is an artist based in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa who specialises in tā moko and painting. Renown for his distinctive Te Tairāwhiti pūhoro and peha style, he grew up immersed in Toi Māori, and becoming an artist was a natural progression in his life. He has further extended his reach in co-ownership with fellow artist Henare Brooking, operating a contemporary Māori art gallery and tā moko studio named TOI AKE. 

“Being brought up in Te Tairāwhiti, I draw inspiration from the creative genius that emanates from the carved and painted meeting houses and cultural history. This includes the origins of whakairo, tā moko, kōwhaiwhai, and raranga. I have had the privilege to be mentored by Tā Derek Lardelli, Riki Manuel, and Mark Kopua, amongst others.”

‘Te Manu Tū’ is an example of Maia’s talents moving from skin to paper – a mixed media drawing of a Tūī with pollen speckling its beak and a whetū floating above the head. In the making of this experimental drawing, Maia took the opportunity to return to some of his original processes “with a fresh openness to play and have some fun.