Matariki over Mana Island
by Stirling Art
This painting of Matariki stars over Te Mana o Kupe (Mana Island) was the very first of the Mana Island series. It was completed in 2021 and just before 2022 Matariki it was given as Koha (a gift) to the local Hongoeka Iwi.
Stunning 3D 9-star constellation, Kiokio ferns, Harakeke flax, colourful ocean and sunset, and the tentacles of Wheke (Te Wheke-a-Muturangi is the monstrous octopus Kupe encountered) reaching over Mana Island. The scene almost looks like it's from a time before humans.
The last clip shows how the sky sparkles and reflects iridescence over the ocean. As you move around the painting and the light picks up the special effects. Sorry it's difficult to pick up the effects with a camera as the paintings are deeply layered.
102x51cm on 3.5cm Deep Box Canvas. The edges of each artwork are painted black.
