This auction is for my conceptual painting entitled 'Tribute to Tane'. Its an experimental fusion of geometry, Maori Wananga and metaphysics.

The scale of this piece is impressive, I have painted the lines with pinpoint accuracy to resonate the design in a proper manner. It looks great in low light levels, and is surrounded by a totara frame with a scalloped finish. Hidden on the left of the frame is a small wheku mask of Maui to represent perpetual thinking and whakairo.

The central motivation of this piece is the hexagon and pentagon. The hexagon represents macrocosm, everything larger than ourselves, whilst the pentagon represents microcosm, the smaller scale down to the minute. 6 is the number of structure whilst 5 represents life. I carefully duplicated the dimensions of the areas in-between the two shapes, and rotated them into position (shown in white) forming a crafty composition of the classic Maori ‘Wheku’ design in a most striking and simplified manner. The ‘Wheku’ design not only displays a face but expresses the foundation of our reality ‘Te Ao Marama’ through mnemonics subtly presenting the great feats of Tane-nui-a-rangi who brought light and knowledge into our realm.

Materials; Canvas, acrylic paint, totara, paua shell, NZ Fantail feathers, boiled linseed oil

Dimensions; 950mm x 960mm x 60mm

By James Cannon, Taumarunui 2015

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Also please check out my other carvings listed!