A survey of what it means to be Nati, from the perspective of those at home and those away from home.

Ki wiwi ki wawa, looks at the influence of the papakainga, and the effect that distance has on the art that is created.

What does it mean to be a Nati artist when you live outside of the Tairawhiti? Where is home and how is that reflected in the work you create. What is the conversation inherent within the work? How does it differ from that which is produced at home? Is there in fact any difference at all?

Conversely, those who live at home have often done so quite deliberately. How does their work reflect this choice? Does it differ again if they have been away and returned home?

These are some of the questions posed of the artists taking part in this group show on at the Tairawhiti Museum in February 2010.

Curated by Tania Short and designed by Martin D. Page, this show explores the nature of whakapapa/geneaology relationships. Featuring work by Auckland artists Natalie Robertson, Rangituhia Hollis, Dion Hitchens, and Hawkes Bay based Chris Bryant; who explore their connections to ‘home’. Local artists Melanie Tahata, Simon Lardelli, Peter Kaa, Sam Taare and Tania Short represent the home contingent. The collection presents works in a range of media that includes installation, video and animation, digital pixelation, sculpture, painting, carving, and photography.

Personal anecdotes from the artists are shared through an exhibition catalogue available at the show.