Rīhari Warnock

Born and raised in Manawatū, a descendant of Ngāti Manu, Rīhari Warnock began painting at a young age, which led to pursuing studies in Fine Arts. Eventually, Rīhari became a tattooist in a local studio based in Manawatū. Over time, his vast portfolio of work contributed greatly to his online presence, gathering a strong support community behind him. 

Kaupapa:

His tattoo works were stylistically known for his neo-traditional approach, characterized by bold yet fine linework, recurring motifs, and soft gradients. After learning from his kuia that he was indeed a descendant of Te Whareumu, he rangatira no Ngāti Manu, Rīhari’s style underwent a necessary metamorphosis. 

His connection to Te Ao Māori reaffirmed his sense of storytelling through his practice and reflected through the shift in motifs and patterns – Tuna, Toroa, Kāhu, Kōwhaiwhai, and Pātiki began to emerge. Each brushstroke becomes an intentional play in balancing the positive and negative tension that flows throughout, creating an immersive environment to feel through- the wriggling skin of tuna, soft textured feathers of the manu flow off each other.