Michel Tuffery

New Zealand

Manuia le aso. Kia orana. Ia ora na.

Michel Tuffery is a New Zealand-based artist of Samoan, Rarotongan and Ma’ohi Tahitian heritage.

Within his art practice he plays the role of working “in between” people and places, and focusing a fresh lens on environmental, community, cultural and art historical divides.

Tuffery is a passionate educator who openly shares his kauapapa and knowledge to empower our youth through residencies and workshops for school-aged children in New Zealand and abroad.

He exhibits worldwide and has undertaken research and community residencies throughout the USA, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Asia, India, Australia, as well as Aotearoa and the Pacific.

In 2008 Michel was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to art—his ongoing rewards come from enriching communities through his art.

source: micheltuffery.com

Awa to Moana brings forward the Kaupapa and importance of traditional relationships and values, there’s a real synergy as our Kaitiaki look to protect the energy of the Wai, an example of this is a saying from the Whanganui Iwi “Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au – I am the river and the river is me” .

Through a recent study of Tuna at the Horokiri Stream earlier in 2024, provided Michel with the vehicle and metaphors imbued in this artwork, canvassing their habitat, and deep research of their migratory patterns to Tonga to breed, and return to Aotearoa. Our kaitiaki view Tuna as a key markers as they reflect back the state and health of our Awa, linking to the Moana echoing a message of “everything is connected” as they look to protect our space.

Awa – river
Moana – ocean
Wai – water
Kaupapa – principles
Kaitiaki – guardian
Whanganui Iwi – Māori tribe
Tuna – New Zealand Longfin Eel; Anguilla diefenbachia

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