title: Matarepo 2025
artist: Te Rangitu Netana (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Rangitihi)
medium: giclée print, archival inks on archival paper 300gsm.
signed and numbered limited edition of 50
dimensions: 50cm x 40cm

MATAREPO

The Matarepo (Fairchild or electric stingray) is a rare and beautiful sight in the waters of northern Aotearoa, New Zealand. Its movement synonymous with the ebb and flow of tides and currents, silent energy, whose flight and form is more bird-like than fish.

The wonders of Te Taiao (the environment) are observed by Māori as symbolic of transformation. As the Matarepo moves between spaces, through water and time, to the beginning of Te Ao Marama (World of life and light), formed in patterns connecting traditional and contemporary, the electric stingray summons the understanding and want for change.