Artist: Eugene Kara
Material: Aluminium, acrylic, Matai timber
A contemporary sculpture in the form of a Manu Aute (Maaori kite.)
Traditionally, Manu Aute were made from an Aute (mulberry) plant. Kites were flown for fun and also flown to mark special occasions.
In this instance, the Manu Aute “Rererangi ki te Ao - "Journey quickly into the sky, out to the world” - represents safe travels wherever your journey takes you, and a warm welcome home, back to the Waikato region.
A key feature of this piece is a unique pattern that wraps around the entire work, created specifically for the Pekapeka-tau-roa (long-tailed bat.)
It employs an innovative construction method that references aeronautical engineering.
Artist: Eugene Kara
Iwi: Ngaati Korokii, Kahukura, Ngaati Tipa, Ngaati Kahungunu, Ngaati Paahauwera, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Te Aatihaunui-a-Paapaarangi
As Puukenga Toi, Eugene has lead the curation and co-ordination of cultural artworks for Hamilton Airport.
Eugene is a professional artist, specialising in public sculpture, lost-wax bronze casting and design. He has a particular skill-set that leads him toward cultural navigation, co-design and project management with a cultural focus. He is an advocate for integrating indigenous knowledge in regional blueprints.
Eugene is the co-founder of the first Maaori bronze casting studio at The New Zealand Maaori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia, Rotorua.
He is an experienced art educator with a demonstrated history of working within education management. Further, he is skilled in management, strategy, Maaori tourism, project management, advocacy, art education and arts administration.
Eugene holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA, Hons) from Elam School of Fine Art, University of Auckland.
