Atapō, 2020
Atapō can be translated to mean ‘before dawn’ and makes reference to the transition from night to day, but also to beginnings. Created in collaboration with our long-time mentor, Maureen Lander, Atapō responds to the deities Hinenuitepō (personification of the night) and Hinetītama (personification of the dawn).
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Both Maureen Lander and Mataaho Collective joined in wānanga to refine their research and form of Hinenuitepō. In the installation, as in the narrative, the powerful deity is linked to her counter-form, Hinetītama before she travels to the underworld after learning that her husband Tāne is also her father. Hinetītama is partially hidden behind the imposing presence of her counterpart, Hinenuitepō. Her cloak-like form creates a backdrop shimmer of colour and light that can be glimpsed through the 12 long black screens. Diamond cut-outs in the mesh reference the ‘fly swat’ weaving motif papaki rango/ngaro (symbol of mourning and protection from harmful influences) to create receding sightlines that pierce through the suspended layers to and from each atua (god). These suggest a cyclical reading of the narrative – one of regeneration, life and death, light and darkness.
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3m x 3m x 9m & 2m x 1m x 4.5m
Insect mesh, steel, wool and muka
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First created in collaboration with Maureen Lander for Toi Tū, Toi Ora at Auckland Art Gallery. Developed with the support of Creative New Zealand.
Atapō won the 10th Walters Prize in 2021 judged by Kate Fowle.
Courtesy of the artists.
Interview with Maureen Lander and Mataaho Collective
One of the four nominees for The Walters Prize 2021, Aotearoa New Zealand's contemporary art award: The Mataaho Collective present their work Atapō, 2020. Co-created with senior artist Maureen Lander, Atapō was originally commissioned for Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Maori Art (2020–21). For the Prize, the sculpture’s presentation has been dramatically reimagined to give it greater command of the exhibition space.