About this painting

‘Te Rīriri’ tells the pūrākau of the great battle between the taniwha Taratara and Maungataniwha. Maungataniwha was lonely and grew envious of Taratara, who stood proudly with his two wives, Okaha-hiria and Turou. Time and again, Maungataniwha crossed the valley to ask Taratara to give him one of his wives.

Each time, Taratara refused. With every refusal, Maungataniwha's anger deepened. Finally, after making one last plea and again being denied. Consumed by rage, he challenged Taratara, and a great battle erupted between the two taniwha.

The struggle was fierce. In the end, Taratara was struck with such force that parts of his body were shattered and scattered throughout Whangaroa.  Including his head which is known as Ohakiri (St Pauls).

Media acrylic on board
Artwork Size 800mm x 1200mm
Framed Size 830mm x 1230mm

Framing Style unframed, for framing options see above.
The Tray Frame option offers a contemporary framing choice to protect and visually enhance the artwork to another level. 

About the Artist

Madison Redman is of Ngāti Kahu Ki Whangaroa and Ngāpuhi descent. She is a multidisciplinary artist, with a practice including tā moko, painting, raranga (weaving) and printmaking. Her work explores themes around pūrākau and Ātua Māori, drawing inspiration from traditional carving, kōwhaiwhai and tukutuku/tāniko. She works from a private studio in Titirangi, Tāmaki Makaurau.