TITLE: Karangawai I
MATERIAL: Eco 100% recycled paper.
SIZE: 445mm x 315mm

Java Bentley
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu

Ko Java Bentley toku ingoa
Ko Ngāpuhi rāua ko Ngāti Kahu ōku iwi
Ko Faatoia ki Samoa
Ko Tamaki Makaurau te kāinga tahi
Ko Te Papaioea te kāinga rua

Sculptural installation artist based in Te Papaioea, I am in the last year of my Masters of Māori Visual Arts at Toioho ki Āpiti. My art making is inspired by materials and the environment connecting us to Papatūānuku. To hangarua is to bring new mauri or repurpose materials, strengthening relationships we have with one another and the whenua. Previous honours graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours/ Bachelor of Art History. Notable exhibitions at Te Manawa, West Space Melbourne, Te Tuhi Auckland, ArtSpace Aotearoa, RM Gallery & Project Space and the Aotearoa Art Fair.

This is a photo print of the work “Kāinga Tahi, Hanga Rua” which is my recent sculptural installation artwork for the exhibition Matatau 2022, Toioho ki Āpiti at Te Manawa art gallery. A whare made from koha materials, from umbrellas gifted to me, this iteration is a revitalisation of hangarua deepening the connection to our whenua through the whakapapa of materials. The photo print showcases a close-up of weather boards sewn together using deconstructed umbrellas passed down to me by Karangawai Marsh.