OIGÅLL PROJECTS presents ‘Waewae’, the debut solo exhibition of Naarm based artist Stefan Wirihana Mau. Born in Frankston, Mau is of Māori (Ngāpuhi) and Eastern European descent. His impressive practice spans across painting, printmaking and sculpture. Most recently his work hasbeen exhibited in the NGV as part of Melbourne Now (2023).
The word ‘waewae’ in te reo Māori expresses multiple meanings, but commonly refers to the movement of legs and feet. The artistfound significance in this concept through learning mau rakau (Māori weaponry practice) and kapa haka (Māori performance), connecting with this idea of finding your footing and establishing a core foundational base.
Referencing both Māori and European symbolism and aesthetics, these works reflect the duality of the artist’s upbringing and identity. Their figurative, physical forms gesture to tradition and deeply personal motifs, while their abstract nature invites the viewer to explore their own interpretations. As a whole, the body of work presented in this exhibition is a beautiful expression of Mau’s evolving engagement with inherited cultural practices and knowledges, while also showcasing a contemporary sense of experimentation and abstraction across a range of processes and materials.
The word ‘waewae’ in te reo Māori expresses multiple meanings, but commonly refers to the movement of legs and feet. The artistfound significance in this concept through learning mau rakau (Māori weaponry practice) and kapa haka (Māori performance), connecting with this idea of finding your footing and establishing a core foundational base.
Referencing both Māori and European symbolism and aesthetics, these works reflect the duality of the artist’s upbringing and identity. Their figurative, physical forms gesture to tradition and deeply personal motifs, while their abstract nature invites the viewer to explore their own interpretations. As a whole, the body of work presented in this exhibition is a beautiful expression of Mau’s evolving engagement with inherited cultural practices and knowledges, while also showcasing a contemporary sense of experimentation and abstraction across a range of processes and materials.
Spirit traces (waru)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
SOLD
Spirit traces (tekau)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
CONTACT
Spirit traces (rima)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
CONTACT
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
CONTACT
Spirit traces (whitu)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
CONTACT
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$3,300 AUD
CONTACT
Spirit traces (toru)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$6,600 AUD
CONTACT
Spirit traces (whā)
water-based acrylic with mineral sand on archival poplar panel
hardwood frame
810mm x 1220mm
$6,600 AUD
CONTACT
