Kura Te Waru Rewiri

Kura Te Waru Rewiri, born in 1950 in Kaeo, New Zealand, is a prominent Māori artist of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Rangi, and Ngāti Kauwhata descent. She studied at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, graduating in 1973 with a Diploma in Fine Arts. Her work is characterized by strong geometric structures and an intuitive use of color and pattern, drawing inspiration from traditional Māori art forms such as kōwhaiwhai (painted rafters) and whakairo (woodcarving). Central themes in her paintings include Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and te Hāhi Rātana (the Rātana Church). ([aucklandartgallery.com](https://www.aucklandartgallery.com/explore-art-and-ideas/artist/2044/kura-te-waru-rewiri?utm_source=openai))

Rewiri has exhibited extensively both in New Zealand and internationally. Notable exhibitions include "Māori Art Today" (1986–1987), "Mana Tiriti" at City Gallery Wellington (1990), and "Te Waka Toi: Contemporary Māori Art," which toured the United States and New Zealand from 1992 to 1994. In 2012, the Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku held a survey exhibition of her work, accompanied by the publication "KURA: Story of a Māori Woman Artist." ([awarewomenartists.com](https://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/kura-te-waru-rewiri/?utm_source=openai))

In addition to her artistic practice, Rewiri has made significant contributions to Māori arts education. She has lectured at institutions such as the Elam School of Fine Arts, Whanganui Polytechnic, and Massey University, where she co-coordinated the Toioho ki Āpiti Māori Visual Arts program. Her works are held in prestigious collections, including the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the Auckland Art Gallery. ([awarewomenartists.com](https://awarewomenartists.com/en/artiste/kura-te-waru-rewiri/?utm_source=openai))