Statement Piece Decor: Ngakauwhero Red Heart

Description

In the tradition of Māori, red is not merely a colour, it is the vibration of the beginning of time. This limited-edition screen print, Ngakauwhero Red Heart, explores the deep spiritual connection between the life force of the land and the endurance of the human spirit.

In Māori mythology, red (whero) is the colour of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. According to legend, when the world was young, the Papatūānuku and Ranginui, the Sky Father, were locked in a tight embrace and keeping the world in eternal darkness. When their children finally forced them apart to bring light to the world, the blood of the gods spilled onto the earth. This sacred blood stained the clay, creating kōkōwai, the red ochre that has been used by Māori for centuries to sanctify carvings, canoes, and the skin of high-ranking chiefs.

To own a piece of art centred in this hue in Ngakauwhero Red Heart is to invite the protection and the mana (prestige) of the ancestors into your space.

Redefining the Heart

While the globalised world often views the heart through a lens of romance, Ngakauwhero Red Heart draws from the concept of manawa. In the Māori worldview, the heart is the seat of manawa ora or the breath of life. It represents the physical and spiritual pulse that connects us to our mauri (life force).

This print moves away from the simplified, symmetrical heart of Western tradition, instead utilising the fluid, organic movement of the Koru and traditional patterns to represent the beating of the natural world. It is an exploration of strength, resilience, and the eternal link between the person and the land.

The Craftsmanship

Ngakauwhero Red Heart is produced using traditional screen printing techniques, a process that mirrors the intentionality of Māori carving. Each layer of ink is hand-pulled, resulting in a depth of colour and a tactile finish that digital printing simply cannot replicate.

We have selected a bespoke, deep ochre-red pigment that evokes the earthy richness of traditional kōkōwai. The matte finish of the ink allows the colour to shift beautifully depending on the light in your room.

To do justice to this narrative, we have printed on Fabriano Artisan 260gsm. This acid-free, high-quality archival paper features a fine surface texture that complements the boldness of the screen-printed lines, ensuring your artwork remains vibrant and preserved for generations.

A Connection to the Land

Ngakauwhero Red Heart is more than a decorative piece, it is a conversation between ancient mythology and contemporary design. It serves as a grounding reminder of our shared breath and our responsibility to the earth beneath our feet. Whether displayed in a minimalist modern home or a space filled with heritage, its vibrant energy and cultural depth provide a focal point of reflection and strength.