Whaanautanga

Original painting SOLD, oil on canvas, 1200 x 1800mm, 2006

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Print sizes and editions (limited to 275)

• Regular museum archival paper print - 367 x 550mm

Your unique limited edition fine art print

1. Sofia Minson creates your exclusive signed print
2. We ship for $25 in NZ and from $50 internationally
3. Your artwork arrives rolled, ready to be framed - do you need help? Request framing guidance
   
   

The story of Whaanautanga

"Whaanautanga" (meaning 'birth' in Maori) was motivated by Sofia's deep respect for the land and mythology of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The work portrays her personal, surreal exploration into the creation of life, based on ancient Maori legend. Papatuanuku (earth mother) lies within the river stones that bathe in the vivid light of dawn.

She gives birth to enchanted plants, which emerge from crevices in the rocks and morph into various native New Zealand species. A Toi toi stands alone in the background, while two vibrantly orange Taurepo flowers (NZ Gloxinia) trumpet spectacularly in contrast to the cloudless sky. From the Taurepo flowers, the slender stem evolves into korus and then ruby red Karaka berries, which dangle and fall. A Tui perches on the delicate branch, weighing it down in an attempt to feed from the sweet nectar of the Harakeke flowers. A small Kiwi stands in the centre, casting an unassuming shadow on a flat river stone. This painting describes a primordial world disconnected from our reality of time and space. Sofia's vision of creation materializes in this eerie, sensuous environment and is brought to life by the wairua (spirit) of Aotearoa's ancient land and mythology.

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Sofia Minson Paintings | New Zealand Artwork