Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

Artwork Statement

This statement piece was created for Art in the Park 2025 and stands as the anchor of Josh Kiwikiwi’s collection. Its title, drawn from a whakataukī (Māori proverb), reflects his artistic journey and the kaupapa that grounds the body of work.

At its centre, a wāhine holds her gaze with strength and reflection. She moves forward while carrying the wisdom of her tūpuna, embodying the cyclical nature of time in te ao Māori, where past, present, and future live within us and connect us across generations.

The surface, textured like concrete, recalls the urban world, yet woven through it are patterns, colour, and gold leaf — markers of vitality, tradition, and identity. Gold-filled tears run across the work, inspired by kintsugi, symbolising both the fracture of cultural loss and the beauty of reclamation. The wahine stands as pou — contemporary and ancestral — a guardian and guide, holding balance between te ao hurihuri (the changing world) and te ao Māori.

Limited Edition Print

This giclée archival print comes from a hand-signed edition of just 25 per size. Printed on Museum grade fine art paper, each work is crafted to last and available in a range of sizes to suit your space.

Details

• Printed on Hahnemühle Museum Etching 350 gsm natural white Matte
• 100% cotton with a finely textured surface
• Matte premium inkjet coating for exceptional print quality 
• Acid and lignin free
• ISO 9706 certified museum quality for maximum longevity
• Long lasting high quality Epson UltraChrome pigment inks 
• Designed to bring depth, movement, and a classic fine art feel to the work 

Bring this limited edition piece into your home and add something truly enduring to your collection.

Original painting available to purchase at Artbay Gallery Queenstown