MOKO PUNA, 7 March – 26 April 2025
Rainmaker Gallery is honoured to welcome the renowned Māori Tā Moko artist and designer Te Rangitu Amohau Netana (b.1972), from Aotearoa New Zealand.
MOKO PUNA (grandchild) is a collection of original works on paper that speak of Māori stories and lineage through a rich mix of traditional pattern with more contemporary colours and forms. Each speaks to a pūrākau (narrative) recounted from the memory of a younger Netana told by kaumatua and kuia (elders) interwoven with ideals and hopes, with learnings from Aotearoa New Zealand. In these paintings and prints Netana expands his artistry from ink on skin into different creative mediums.
“The influences, the storytelling and how we derive our patterns from nature are all connected, but I find that I can do things on paper that you can’t do on the body” – Te Rangitu Netana.
Netana’s commissioned paintings have been translated into many forms, including a magnificent silk scarf design for the prestigious french fashion house Hermès.
Netana was born in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and is of North Island Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai and Te Arawa tribal descent. He currently resides in Bristol with his wife and children.
Artist reception – Friday 7 March 5pm-7pm
Tā Moko demonstration – Friday 21st March
As part of the city wide Bristol Gallery Weekend (20-23 March), we are delighted to host this special event. Te Rangitu Netana will be our artist in residence at Rainmaker Gallery on Friday 21st March. Throughout the day he will demonstrate the Māori art of Tā Moko tattooing, using traditional handmade tools.
The practice of Tā Moko has considerable cultural and spiritual importance. Patterns and techniques are passed down from generation to generation amongst Māori peoples. Known for his fine lines and intricate detail, Netana weaves the tattoo bearer’s personal life story into his designs, marking their skin with a unique artwork that reflects their own lineage, beliefs and spirituality.
Visit the gallery between 11am and 4pm to witness this age old practice in action and learn more about his Māori cultures.