Edited by bestselling author of Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera, Mataora is a major publication of contemporary Maori art and has huge significance in the art world. It is a book whose contents, form, purpose and spirit have been determined by many of the artists whose work it features. Over 150 full colour illustrations and the words of the artists themselves reveal what Maori artists want to show us of their art. Over four years in production and with the contributions of more than forty artists and writers, Mataora is the most comprehensive artistic, cultural and political statement yet about the state of Maori art. Artists include carvers like Tuti Tukaokao; weavers like Aromea Tahiwi, Roma Potiki and Jacqueline Fraser; landscape artists and sculptors such as Darcy Nicholas, Arnold Wilson, Fred Graham, Emare Karaka, Robyn Kahukiwa and Michael Parekowhai; artists working in clay like Baye Riddell and Paerua Corneal. A veritable Who's Who of contemporary Maori artists working in Aotearoa. This is Mataora. Through brilliant artwork and the perceptive words of Robert Jahnke, the contributors to Mataora weave a story as old as Maori culture itself. It is the enthralling story of Maori art.

Accolades

Winner of Montana New Zealand Book of the Year Award Illustrative Arts Category 1997.