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
A descendant of artists and Polynesian waka builders on both sides of her family, Taupuru (Ariki) Brightwell is a full-time, multi-media artist, known for her graphic design, sculpture, and large-scale mural works. Her painted works often form an in-depth reflection of our historical past in relation to the current political landscape we face today.
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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