Richard Francis   Grad.Dip.Teaching Secondary, Advanced.Dip.Hons. Maori Visual Arts

Pae Matua

Arawa / Mataatua Art, Design

Ngāti Rangiwewehi + Ngāti Pikiao + Te Arawa

Tena Koutou,

I am a self-employed artist from Te Arawa, based in Rotorua.

I am keenly concerned with the re-development of the symbolism and information attached to Moko designs, mostly focusing on these issues as they relate to his affiliated Iwi. As a way of disseminating his knowledge and understanding of the subject, I often give seminars/workshops on ta moko and Toi Maori.

My work as a practicing tā moko artist is only one of many roles that I fulfill as a visual artist, carver, graphic designer, researcher of whakapapa, and tribal history. He is also a Kapa Haka performer for Whangara and the Ngati Pikiao Cultural Group.

I believe that Maori Arts are an integral part of the New Zealand culture, and being an active part of the renaissance of Contemporary Maori Art has seen Moko almost return to its full recognition as an art form of integrity and important to ones identity.

Naku noa

Richard Francis