Rākaunui Collaboration

Description

Title:  Rākaunui

Artist Collaboration:  Huhana Smith (Ngāti Tūkorehe, Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga) & Ciaran Banks

Description:  Mixed Media

‘Rakaunui’ was a part of an exhibition named ‘13 Months of memories’ which explored Huhana Smith’s and Ciaran Banks’ personal experiences with severe cognitive impairment and short-term memory losses, with reference to their work as ardent kaitiaki environmentalists. This is a collaborative project, as Huhana’s painting is held by Ciaran Banks’ distinctive sculptural wooden frames.

Huhana draws from her experience caring for her partner Richard who struggled with Alzheimer’s whilst Ciaran draws on his life experience being born with group Strep B, a hematoma, septicaemia and meningitis which resulted in brain swelling that causes short term memory loss. 

The piece Rākaunui, references Huhana’s growing knowledge of Māori astronomy as she integrated rituals of healing and gardening into her life, guided by the maramataka. “Rakaunui is full of creative potential” she says, musing over the emotional and spiritual power of the full moon which aided in the creation of her pieces to help her overcome challenging times.    

Materials:  Reclaimed Oak frame from Norway, oil paint, oil paint glaze on sealed plywood round

Dimensions:  800 X 800 X 40 mm (d)

Freight:  Arranged by email