Background to the identity
Exhibition ID by Wol Jobson
The space in between
Light and shadow is ever present in all spaces – negative shapes are as essential as positive. When looking at nature – tree leaves, for example – the negative shape between the leaves and the sky is as important as the positive shapes of the leaves themselves. In a visual and cultural sense, this is the space in between.
The space in between is an important element, with plurality being a strong theme. There are many ways of looking at the same thing – the sky and the land, but the dimension in between is also essential to Rongowhakaata.
Balance
Light and shadow also have an important relationship with balance. Many elements on marae and around protocol are based around balance. Light and shadow also fit into the concept of balance, to reflect light is to cast a shadow.
Alongside balance, organic shape and innovative design also have an important place within Rongowhakaata. This is evident with Rongowhakaata maihi, tukutuku panels, and carving.
Manu Aute
Manu Aute are an important tradition for Rongowhakaata. They represent the movement between the realm of the gods and the world of light. They inhabit the space in between.
Diving into the world of darkness and diving into the world of light also has a strong presence in Rongowhakaata culture.
Manu Aute is the main image focus of the Rongowhakaata exhibition identity with the Rongowhakaata font acting as the visual anchor.
Manu, or birds, and their artistic parallel manu tukutuku, or kites, are important markers of the transmission of knowledge. Manu, with their capacities for flight and language, are symbols of the transcendent power of communication. Manu kōrero – orators – convey our histories, connections and knowledge in fine speech. Manu tukutuku are channels of knowledge between celestial and earthly realms, and expertise in kite-flying is a Rongowhakaata tradition.
Rongowhakaata himself was a kite expert and a shape shifter who could move between realms, changing from man to bird. Kites feature in our stories as agents of perception, protecting our tribal interests.
The design within the Manu Aute was developed by Johnny Moetara, a Rongowhakaata artist, and was subsequently developed with the support of the Te Papa design team. A play of light was added to the shape and also to the type to achieve the final result.
