Pukehina artist creates 'smart' tiki to store family ancestry

Pukehina-based artist Joe Te Wharau works with modern technology such as 3D printing to create original taonga inspired by tradition. Photo/Supplied

A tiki which has the capability of holding a person's digital family history, interacting with devices and more is on display as part of an exhibition showcasing art and modern technology.

The "smart tiki" is a creation of Pukehina-based artist Joe Te Wharau whose modern technology artwork is on display in Tauranga's Goddards Centre as part of the Art of Technology exhibition, which runs until November 5.

The exhibition features artwork which would not exist without new technology, created by about 25 local, national and international artists.

The tiki, Te Wharau said, has a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip which could be programmed to connect with smartphones to be customised to suit the wearer.

"The smart tiki will come empty so you can program it yourself," Te Wharau said.

He said it could be loaded with information such as contact details, a person's digital whakapapa or family history, or even be programmed to set off your alarm in the morning.

"You can have it linked to your family history, with an archive of information ... that's the kind of concept behind the smart tiki."

Te Wharau, who works with modern technology such as 3D printing to create original taonga inspired by tradition as well as new materials such as advanced plastics and precious metals such as gold, platinum, bronze, and copper, has about 15 pieces on display.

This exhibition was Te Wharau's first and he said he had been inspired by the works of other artists featured and the feedback he had received so far had been positive.

Te Wharau said technology could be used to create in amazing ways and he hoped the exhibition would prompt people to look deeper into the digital world.