The Mataaho Collective, consisting of Māori women artists Bridget Reweti, Erena Baker, Sarah Hudson, and Terri Te Tau, has collaboratively worked for a decade on large-scale fibre-based installations delving into the intricacies of Māori lives and knowledge systems. The term takapau denotes a finely woven mat, traditionally employed in ceremonies, particularly during childbirth. In Te Ao Māori, the womb holds sacred significance as a space where infants connect with the gods. Takapau marks the moment of birth, signifying the transition between light and dark, Te Ao Marama (the realm of light), and Te Ao Atua (the realm of the gods). The tie-downs used in their installation embody a meticulous material selection, serving as tools of security and support for moving cargo, while also being affordable and accessible. This deliberate choice seeks to recognise often-overlooked labourers, emphasising the strength derived from interdependence and honouring a legacy that deserves acknowledgement. The Takapau installation, observable from multiple perspectives, unveils its intricate construction with the interplay of light and shadows on woven patterns offering a multisensorial experience.
This is the first time the work of Mataaho Collective is presented at Biennale Arte.
—Amanda Carneiro
