Matariki Dawn, an installation by Michel Tuffery and Yvonne de Mille

Overview

Take a trip along the Kapiti Coast to Waikanae's Mahara Gallery to check out an exhibition by well-known New Zealand artist Michel Tuffery and Yvonne de Mille. Both artists have created sculptures inspired by traditional Maori kites. Both artists draw a parallel with the excitement of seeing a kite take flight and the thrill of the first sighting of the Matariki stars at dawn.

For Michel Tuffery, kites are a metaphor for renewal. The original Manu Aute could be considered as being the old cellphone network between earth and sky. Kites were used for communication, both as a spiritual connection with ancestors, and as a messenger between Pā sites in different locations.

Yvonne de Mille loves the associations between the magic and wonderment of light and fire and that Matariki is specific to Aotearoa. Her kite-like structures embody that connection between earth, sky and stars and reflect the energy and excitement of celebration