This original work was created by renowned artist Ariki Brightwell, depicting Ūpoko Toru, the three-headed taniwha, painted in the traditional kōwhaiwhai style of Rongowhakaata.
The three heads represent shared minds and perspectives, strength through unity when working together creating a powerful force. But with great power, conflict arises when one seeks dominance. Ūpoko Toru becomes a metaphor for shared power and leadership, much like the Roman triumvirate or coalition government of today. Yet when its values and foundations lack integrity, the heads of Ūpoko Toru fight and snap at each other causing the great taniwha to lose balance falling down to the earth unable to stand.
The lesson of Ūpoko Toru is “Leadership without integrity is a taniwha destined to stumble.”
Materials: Acrylic, plywood
Dimensions: 600 X 1200 mmm
Freight: Arranged by email
Brand
Ariki Brightwell
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.
Ūpoko Toru
$3,497.00
1 in stock
Description
Title: Ūpoko Toru
Artist: Taupuru (Ariki) Brightwell
Iwi: Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Huia, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Whakaue, Tahiti
Description: Painting
This original work was created by renowned artist Ariki Brightwell, depicting Ūpoko Toru, the three-headed taniwha, painted in the traditional kōwhaiwhai style of Rongowhakaata.
The three heads represent shared minds and perspectives, strength through unity when working together creating a powerful force. But with great power, conflict arises when one seeks dominance. Ūpoko Toru becomes a metaphor for shared power and leadership, much like the Roman triumvirate or coalition government of today. Yet when its values and foundations lack integrity, the heads of Ūpoko Toru fight and snap at each other causing the great taniwha to lose balance falling down to the earth unable to stand.
The lesson of Ūpoko Toru is “Leadership without integrity is a taniwha destined to stumble.”
Materials: Acrylic, plywood
Dimensions: 600 X 1200 mmm
Freight: Arranged by email
Brand
Ariki Brightwell
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