MOKO PUNA

MOKO PUNA

February 27, 2025

Tāonga Tuku Iho (detail) 2025, acrylic and enamel on paper 

by Te Rangitu Netana

MOKO PUNA

7th March - 26 April 2025

Very occasionally, when the stars align, we stray from our usual territory of North American Indigenous art and expand into neighbouring realms. For our spring show, we traverse the Pacific ocean to embrace the Indigenous cultures of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

MOKO PUNA (

grandchild

) is a series of original works on paper by world-renowned Maori Tā Moko tattoo artist Te Rangitu Netana (b.1972). His imagery speaks of Maori stories and lineage through a rich mix of traditional pattern with more contemporary colours and forms. In these paintings and prints, Netana expands his artistry from ink on skin into different creative mediums.

“The influences, the storytelling and how we derive our patterns from nature are all connected, but I find that I can do things on paper that you can’t do on the body”

 - Te Rangitu Netana.

Netana was born in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and is of North Island Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai and Te Arawa tribal descent. He currently resides in Bristol with his wife and children. 

Meet the artist

Friday 7th March 5pm -7pm

You are warmly invited to join us in celebrating the opening of

MOKO PUNA 

on

Friday 7th March from 5pm to 7pm

. Enjoy a drink and meet artist Te Rangitu Netana and his family. Learn more about his Maori culture and artistic practices and view his most recent works of art created specifically for this exhibition.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Te Rangitu Netana uses traditional handmade tools for the art of Tā Moko.

Tā Moko demonstration

Friday 21st March

As part of the city wide

(20-23 March), we are delighted to host a very special event.

will be our artist in residence at Rainmaker Gallery on Friday 21st March. Throughout the day he will be demonstrating the Maori art of Tā Moko tattooing using traditional handmade tools.

The practice of Tā Moko has considerable cultural and spiritual importance. Patterns and techniques are passed down from generation to generation amongst Maori peoples. Known for his fine lines and intricate detail, Netana weaves the tattoo bearer’s personal life story into his designs, marking their skin with a unique artwork that reflects their own lineage, beliefs and spirituality.

Visit the gallery between 11am and 4pm to witness this age old practice in action and learn more about his Maori cultures.

Gallery Hours

If you can't make it to the opening or the demonstration, drop by the gallery when you can.

Our opening hours are:

Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 4pm

or by appointment.

We look forward to seeing you soon,Jo & Erin xx