Exploring Identity Through Kahukiwa's Art
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Exploring Identity Through Kahukiwa's Art
Discovering Māori cultural identity through visual arts Year 5 & 6 Art Education Understanding whakapapa, whenua, and mana wāhine
Who is Robyn Kahukiwa?
Prominent Māori artist born in 1940 Known for powerful paintings of Māori women and cultural themes Focuses on identity, history, and mana wāhine (women's power) Her art tells stories of whakapapa (genealogy) and connection to whenua (land)
What Do You See?
Look at these Kahukiwa artworks What feelings or ideas do the images create? What symbols and patterns do you notice? How might these reflect Māori culture?
Key Themes in Kahukiwa's Art
Whakapapa - genealogy and family connections Whenua - deep connection to the land Mana wāhine - celebrating women's strength and power Cultural identity and pride in being Māori
Visual Analysis Challenge
Work in groups of 4-5 students Each group gets a Kahukiwa painting to analyze Use the worksheet to guide your observations Look for symbols, colors, and stories Share your discoveries with the class
Understanding Visual Elements
{"left":"Bold, earthy colors (red, ochre, brown)\nStrong female figures and faces\nTraditional Māori patterns and spirals\nSymbols of nature (birds, plants, water)","right":"Geometric shapes and flowing lines\nStories told through composition\nCultural symbols and moko (tattoos)\nConnection between past and present"}
Create Your Identity Artwork
Create art inspired by Kahukiwa's style Express your own cultural identity or personal story Use bold colors and meaningful symbols Think about your family, heritage, and what makes you unique Experiment with patterns and shapes that represent you
Art as Cultural Expression
'Art can tell stories about who we are, where we come from, and what we value' How does your artwork express your identity? What stories does art tell about culture and belonging?