Top Maori Ta Moko Artists Participating at WOMAD Festival in Taranaki
Toi Maori Aotearoa Media Release
Tuesday 11 March 2008
Te Uhi a Mataora is a collective of the country’s top Maori ta moko artists who have precision skills in the art and renaissance of moko (Maori tattoo).
Renowned artists Mark Kopua, Richard Francis and Turumakina Duley will display their skills in the implementation and creation of moko at WOMAD’s Te Paepae, an area of cultural welcome hosted by Taranaki iwi. Taranaki ta moko artist Hemi Sundgren will also be involved with Te Uhi.
Derek Lardelli, chair of Te Uhi a Mataora and kapa haka leader for Whangara mai Tawhiti – current reigning champions of the prestigious Te Matatini festival of Maori performing arts - will also have his group performing at WOMAD.
According to Mark, co-chair of Te Uhi: “It’s awesome that Te Uhi has been afforded the opportunity to hold a wananga during WOMAD and working alongside iwi. It gives us the chance to push the kaupapa of moko and interact with people about why we wear ta moko and the ta moko movement.”
Te Uhi will be displaying their talents at the WOMAD festival from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 March.
ENDS
About Toi Maori Aotearoa:
Toi Maori Aotearoa is the national organisation for Māori art and artists and receives major funding from Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand.
About the Artists:
Derek Lardelli: http://www.maoriart.org.nz/profiles/derek_lardelli
Hemi Sundgren: http://www.spiritwrestler.com
Mark Kopua: http://www.tamoko.org.nz/artists/uruora
Richard Francis: http://toiariki.co.nz/
Turumakina Duley: http://www.tamoko.org.nz/artists/tumoko/
For media enquiries, please contact Tamahou Temara, Operations Manager, Toi Maori Aotearoa.
Phone (04) 801-7914
Cell: 021 357 894
Email: tamahou@maoriart.org.nz