Artist Statement

Olivia Giles

I am a Contemporary Maori Artist and writer from Wellington of Kahungunu, Raukawa, Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Ati Awa and Scottish descent.     

My works are multi layer narrative pieces. 

On the surface they appear aesthetically appealing but strip back the layers they become deeper and darker as they reveal the complexity of my humanness. 

All of my works have elements of self portraiture.  I view myself through the imagery of my Whakapapa.  I am who I come from and who I will be.  “There is no “tense” in Maori just a continuous stream of existence.”

I draw strength from my connection with Papatuanuku and Ranginui, and inspiration from all the moments in my life, and the interstices’ between.

 

 

 

PORTFOLIO-2011

 

Ko Ranginui kei runga

Ko Papatuanuku kei raro

Ko nga tangata kei waenganui

Tihei Mauri Ora!

Recent Exhibitions

2011  Matariki Fashion, Whitireia, Porirua, New Zealand                     2011  Shortlisted for Pikihuia short story awards, Huia Publications   2011 In the Hood, Exhibition, Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand         2011 Elements of Fashion, Festival of the Elements, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, New Zealand

2010 Costume Design, 'Past, Present, Future.'  Tanemahuta Gray, Costume design, Kowhiti, Te Papa, Wellington, New Zealand
2010 Costume design 'Wonkey Donkey' NZ Post book awards.  Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua, New Zealand.
2010 Bridges, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, NZ
2010 Purapura Whetu, Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand

2009 'hineAtua2', Saarsha House, Waikanae, New Zealand         
2009 Porirua Council Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand
2009 Eco Print to Couture Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand

2008 - 2009 Figment Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand
2008 Multiples Tamarillo Gallery, Wellington, New Zealand
2008 WOW TSB Arena, Wellington, New Zealand
2008 Red Hot in NZ Manilla, Philippines
2008 "Two Homes" published.

2007 Origins Pataka, Porirua, New Zealand 

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