AAron Te Whanatangi kereopa

(b.1971) New Zealand Maori.

Ko Tainui te waka, Ko Waikato te iwi, Ko Ngati Tahinga, Ko Ngati Hine, Ko Ngati Porou nga hapu

In 1985 the Rainbow Warrior was destroyed in an explosion down at the Auckland Wharf, sparking another wave of anti nuclear protest across New Zealand. During this period Kereopa was living on the shores of Whaingaroa (Raglan) on his family land where he saw a surfboard carved with the message "No Nukes in the Pacific" on television.

Inspired and wishing to express his screaming silent voice, Kereopa felt he had something to say, so he took a broken surfboard and began to experiment. Initially using a kitchen knife and a spoon to carve the foam he shortly realised that similar techniques applied to carving wood could be used on the foam. If he used finer bladed tools with an even finer cutting method rather than a chisel and mallet action the possibilities became endless.

Kereopa's work utilises a visual language that behaves as a code as he draws on themes both universal and personal such as Maori mythology, geography, his ancestors, genealogy, navigation and pop art culture. The surf culture and ocean lifestyle experiences.

Since that first day he picked up a knife and surfboard over 20 years ago, the self taught artist still enjoys creating contemporary Maori / Polynesian artworks from home using up-cycled surfboards, his art continues to inspire many.

Aaron Kereopa artworks are held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, America, Hawaii, Brazil, Europe, Tahiti, Fiji. He also carves to commission and his Gallery is open by appointment.

Aaron Kereopa has spent a solid 20+ years developing a technique and subject matter that is unique to him. His creation has been documented and represented by reputable Art professionals.

Aaron Kereopa has spent a solid 20+ years developing a technique and subject matter that is unique to him. His creation has been documented and represented by reputable Art professionals.

 
 

History, past exhibitions and projects 2001-2021

  • Coolangatta Surf Expo Australia

  • Billabong Pro Tahiti

  • Aqua Velvet Raglan

  • Kanuka Design Raglan

  • Black Sands Raglan

  • Waikato Museum

  • Commonwealth Games Melbourne Museum Global Art Projects

  • Toi O Tahuna Fine Art Gallery Queenstown

  • Maori Art Market Wellington

  • Auckland Grammar Art Exhibition

  • Kings College Art Exhibition

  • Russian Project (Helena Bay)

  • Arts Post Hamilton

  • Poi Room Auckland

  • Moko Gallery Coromandel

  • Raglan Arts Weekend

  • Auckland Art Fair, The Cloud.

  • Crown Plaza Maastricht Netherlands

  • Artwise Fine Art Gallery Netherlands

  • Amsterdam Art Fair

  • Art Breda Artwise Netherlands

  • Anahera Maori Art Gallery Auckland

  • Art in The Park. Eden Park Stadium Auckland