Maryanne Shearman

‘Whakaahua Kiriaro’ / ‘Self-portrait’
Oil on Canvas

1200 x 750 + Frame

$9,500

This large landscape shows Waimanu/Stirling Falls at Piopiotahi/Milford Sound. Maryanne has used the vast scale of this natural wonder to illustrate her imagining of inward space, the places inside our human spirit. Coming from her personal journey navigating Pākeha identity and place in Aotearoa, ‘Whakaahua Kiriaro’ honours the potential mana of those who release their hold on land-rights and delve into a journey of relationship as Tangata Tiriti.

There is a sense of significance around this piece, not least because for the first time in their memory, Te Runanga o Makaawhio (the mana whenua of Milford Sounds) were consulted and gave their blessing for the completion and sale of a piece of work showing this sacred place.

The painting is currently hanging in The Vicarage, the historic wharekai and offices alongside Te Whare Hononga, at Taranaki Cathedral. Viewing is welcomed during opening hours.