Arpége Taratoa
Shared Lines: Pūtahitanga exhibiting artist
001 (2016) 210mmx297mm
Arpége Taratoa graduated with an Honours degree (second class) in Fine Arts from The University of Auckland in 2015, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Māori Visual Arts (Distinction) from Massey University in 2016.
She has exhibited in Palmerston North, Wellington and Auckland, and curated Exhibitions in Nelson and Tauranga. Following her Tertiary studies, Taratoa lectured at NZTC and was contracted to Direct a Project for Wakatu Incorporation to mark their 40th anniversary. She has since remained contracted on a long-term project as Creative Director/Project Manager for a collective biography. Other roles have included contracted curating, working as an assistant curator, and creating her own business, Aesthete Studio.
Currently working towards admission into Grad School to complete a Doctorate level of study, Arpége is passionate about making a difference in the Creative Sector. Whilst her focus was on digital arts (majoring in moving image, photography and installation) and the challenges that artists working with these mediums face within a fine arts, modern and post-modern context, Taratoa is looking at a proposal towards decolonising the creative force and shaping a Framework for the education system that utilises indigenous practice.
Shared Lines: Pūtahitanga 2020
Pōkerekere (2020) Digital Artwork
Lockdown was an enlightening yet confronting time. The first week was overwhelming; but very quickly, it became apparent that this time was allowing for a shift in priority. Blocking out the noise, the obligations, the busy body and mind, the structure like a ball and chain...Suddenly, there was space to communicate within.
Pōkerekere, meaning the dark, threatening of clouds, reflects the journey of disharmony to harmony that allows us to communicate from a space of tau; diluting the external noise and clutter to reharmonise and create with more clarity. Our tūpuna recognised the importance of slowing down, that to find that balance and harmony within is to allow for creative expansion. In the space of forced change - communication, collaboration and creativity were reshaped. Just like dark clouds that pass, the light follows.