A tale of two cultures

It has been said that history is created by those who tell the best stories, and Karen Taiaroa is a natural storyteller. In her evocative textile-based artworks, elements of her own personal history merge and compete for attention with elements of political history, natural history and myth, painting a complex picture of how she came to be where she is today.

Karen, who is completing a Master of Visual Arts, says a major part of her practice is exploring her own history and identity as a woman of mixed and Maori and Pakeha descent.

"It’s about making connections between the two cultures; to see, value and understand their worlds within the limitations of their ways of life.”

In her latest artwork, Karen tells the story of European colonisation in New Zealand and how the two cultures interrelated during this time.  A colourful figure is standing "as one with the earth, as land is family in Maori culture”. In the foreground there is a Pakeha cloaked in tartan, referring to the European migration, and tree stumps signifying new beginnings.

Originally a high school art teacher, Karen decided to pursue a masters degree and focus on colonisation in New Zealand culture.

"There is such freedom to explore in the post-graduate programme. We have big discussion days where students meet up and discuss ideas, relationships, issues, and people’s work. It’s incredibly open and inspiring; you never stop learning.”