Kereama Taepa

Kereama Taepa (Te Arawa, Te Āti Awa). Born in 1979, he lives in Pāpāmoa, Bay of Plenty.

Kereama is a contemporary Māori creative who manifests works based on customary Māori artforms, with a technological twist. His practice ultimately considers the idea that innovation is tradition. Kereama's exploration into materials and processes has provided him with a vast array of creation methods, of which he delves in and out of frequently. A self-described haututū, he holds to the view that Māori cultural expression has always adapted to whatever tools and materials are at hand, treating new technologies the way tūpuna treated any new tool that arrived on these shores, with curiosity, care and wānanga.

Kereama's works are informed by customary Māori visual language and conventions. Whakairo, kōwhaiwhai and tūrapa (tukutuku) appear frequently within his work and are accompanied by pop iconography from the 80s and 90s such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders, referencing his upbringing within the urban environment.