May 07, 2013
Ihumatao wairua captured in photos
Life in one of Aotearoa's oldest communities has been captured in a photographic exhibition now on at the Mangere Arts Centre.
Ihumatao – Taku Tangata, Taku Whenua is Qiane Matata-Sipu's first solo show.
She says the black and white format harks back to the pictures of her great grandparents she saw in an old edition of the Department of Māori Affairs magazine Te Ao Hou about the small village tucked behind Auckland International Airport Village.
"It's capturing everyday life. It's the kids playing the cul de sac and getting their ice-cream from Mr Whippy, crossing the road in only their t-shirt and nappy on and it's the dogs tied up or roaming free from house to house. It's the nannies on their front porch having a catch up and a cup of tea. It's the makeshift gym that's been made out of an old garage that a few of the boys have put together. It captures life essentially. It's the people, it's the whānau, and it's the wairua that's there at Ihumatao," Matata-Sipu says.
There are 26 prints and a further 148 images on a 50 inch screen.
Ihumatao – Taku Tangata, Taku Whenua is on at the Mangere Arts Centre until June 9.
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