Artwork pays tribute to guardianship

Toihoukura graduate and artist Paora Peipi is pleased to have had the opportunity to create an artwork for Taiki e! whanau members who play an active role in sharing the aroha economy. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Local artist Paora Peipi is the man behind the intricate artwork adorning the new refrigerated pataka kai at Treble Court.

Installed by impact house Taiki e!, the pataka kai encourages a system where people can leave food for other people to take for free.

Peipi said the artwork framing the refrigerator is a waharoa, which traditionally on a marae is the gateway that welcomes and brings everyone to the marae.

“The design patterns I’ve used on the outside are koiri, which generally references a new beginning and growth.

“Also within the designs is the manaia, on the edges of the waharoa, and they represent the manu or birds and the kaitiaki. They represent the premise of the entire pataka kai which revolves around aroha and manaaki.”

The main figurehead at the top of the artwork is a homage to Rongomatane, the Māori god of cultivation and peace.

“I wanted to pay respect to him and all of the manaia which are the guardians or figureheads that are situated around the waharoa.

“They represent guardianship which is one of the key parts of aroha, that Taiki e! is trying to reach with pataka kai.”

Peipi heaped praise on the impact house which he says plays a great role by looking after  people and giving them access to free kai. “Pretty awesome kaupapa,” he said.

The artist graduated from Toihoukura last year and this was his first year out of university, delving deeper into the field of arts.

“Paora’s work gives a bit of a facelift to the pataka kai in comparison to the other 13 we have spread across Gisborne,” said Taiki e! whānau member Cain Kerehoma.

“The fridge in a lot of ways speaks about the aroha economy which encourages a space of generosity and sharing.”