About

Study of Hinenuitepō and Papatūānuku” is a series of works that centers the female body through atua wāhine Hinenuitepō and Papatūānuku, and their associated pūrākau. Often among the most widely recognised and represented atua wāhine(female deities), Hinenuitepō and Papatūānuku are key figures that many of us learn about in childhood. In my case, the paintings and illustrations by Robyn Kahukiwa have played a significant role in shaping my understanding of them.

Revisiting these narratives through a contemporary lens, this research opens them to new readings. Now positioned as the storyteller, I reflect on personal experiences while recreating these familiar scenes. Through the female form the works explore bodily autonomy, and how the positioning of the body influences the way we perceive female figures—not only as atua wāhine, but as reflections of women in modern society. It examines how women are portrayed in art, and how artistic choices—ranging from
placement and scale to age and demeanor—can shape the way a work is
interpreted.

Tui Hirabayashi

I am an artist of Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri, Japanese and Pākehā descent. I work part time at The Good The Bad Gallery in G.I. as an Arts assistant, coordinating exhibitions and community workshops. I’m experimenting in the field of expanded painting: blurring the lines between painting, sculpture and installation, and combining materials and objects that aren't traditionally associated with painting.

In 2023, I co-founded the artist duo 2PARU. Our kaupapa centers on the history of Aotearoa, its colonial structures, gentrification, Māori pūrākau(stories) and cultural values. Much of my recent work references whakairo(carving) and I have been developing my own style of toi Māori.I’m interested in figurative painting, particularly representations of the female body, where societal pressures set unrealistic beauty standards for women. For my Whitecliffe graduation show, I created paintings that respond to the portrayal of women throughout history, art, film, literature, music, media, and social media.