MANU TUTETUTE

This is a celebration and must-see exhibition of contemporary ngā toi Māori by two internationally acclaimed visual artists from Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Charles (Ngāti Kahungūnu, Ngāi Tūhoe, Whakatōhea, Ngāpuhi) is a founding member of the world-championship winning TMD crew (The Most Dedicated), a collective of creatives from around the world who continue to push artistic boundaries & who have been global leaders in the urban contemporary art field for the past 25+ years; Janine (Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Māhuta) is one of the first first wahine Māori urban artists in Aotearoa and a TMD crew member since 1998.

A passion for endemic/native birdlife Charles’ work focuses on the connection of culture and the natural world with a strong focus on Māori and indigenous narratives and themes. His global influence within the street art/urban art scene has lead to numerous personal and group achievements. An exhibiting contemporary artist of the 2022 Sculpture on the Gulf Biennial (Waiheke Island) Janine’s work has featured in a wide range of exhibitions and shows throughout Aotearoa and the world. Her passion lies in creating work that reflects local cultural and historical narrative and stories that have a direct connection to the whenua in which the artwork remains while pushing traditional practices into contemporary and urban settings. 

Along with a large range of smaller community exhibitions and events together, Charles and Janine have exhibited in galleries, been involved in numerous art group shows, street art festivals and produced large scale mural commissions around the world. 

We are honoured to see their new mixed-media works right here in Whakatū! 

Image: Charles + Janine Williams