Mural painted for Bats Theatre as part of Kia Mau festival in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa.
The figure represents the creative story writer and performer, her face glows with gold with authentic expression. The two faces in profile (Wahine and Taniwha) represent characters through which the story can be told and also the telling of stories passed down through generations. The Performer whispers her creative ideas and they flow through the Wahine and Taniwha and they ignite into a warming flame.
She holds a feather to represent the embellishment of costume/decoration/adornment. The white feather also presents a sense of inner peace through self expression and being able to express oneself in a safe space.
The Taniwha torso represents core strength, trusting intuitions and letting them guide you. The throat Taniwha is the power of voice and speaking up/out. The boot taniwha represents walking fiercely into the future.
The design on the leg is pūhoro and represents moving forward, speed and swiftness. The designs on the arm and on the Taniwha are raperape & pitau. They represent growth & continuity into an evolving future.
Ngā mihi