David Teata
Since graduating from Otago school of art in 2006 with a BFA, majoring in printmaking, artist David Teata has been creating works that are informed by his Mangaian heritage as well as the rich cultural diversity found in Aotearoa. Teata's artistic beginnings lay in designing Tivaivai patterns for his Great-grandma and drawing super hero characters found in comics. Later in life during Teata's studies at art school, he was inspired by the intricately carved Mangaian adzes found at the Otago Museum that would influence his dispoition toward the art of print making. At first Teata began to experiment with carving through self taught methods using MDF board for its manageability and practicality. The materials used initially enabled Teata to develop and hone his carving skills whilst experimenting with the print making process. In 2008 Teata completed a postgraduate diploma in art and design at AUT, an experience that helped him to articulate and reflect on his creative practice which is largely practice led, with motivation coming from ideas that arise during the creative process.
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Teata’s rigorous research into the genealogy, histories and traditions of his ancestors has educated his aesthetic. He has made a conscious decision to use authentic traditional patterns and motifs from his Mangaian heritage, while developing innovative and contemporary expressions.
One such innovative expression utilised by Teata is the lens, a shape created when two circles intersect to from a new space or entity. This new entity is symbolic of the unique multicultural space in Aotearoa, informed by many intersecting beliefs, ideas, and people. The lens also takes the form of a Polynesian vaka; it reflects on the journeys taken by past ancestors and the new discoveries and adventures one will encounter navigating through life. Together the symbols and forms encompass a union of past and present, which is significant to shaping one's identity.
Teata's authentic and innovative aesthetic approach, as well as his skill at carving, is demonstrated in his woodblock prints on tiepolo paper. A black and white series done in 2007-2008 are bold in design, with each motif and pattern given equal attention evidenced in the sharpness of their appearance. This, in effect, creates a three-dimensional quality giving objects such as a shell or a tool a tangible and animated presence.
Teata’s work includes designs that represent his identification with the Tangata Whenua of New Zealand, which is now his home. At present Teata is continuing a Haka theme, which he began exploring in 2003. For Teata, the haka figure symbolically represents “the mana and wairua of the tangata whenua. The Haka evokes timeless values of strength, integrity and respect. It embodies the continuity between the old and new, calling this generation to rise and meet the challenges of today.”[1]
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Printmaking is only one of many creative outlets for Teata. Painting has been developing alongside his printmaking practice. Teata is currently living in Waimiha in the King Country with his wife and three children with plans in the near future to move the family to Rarotonga.
Since 2006 Teata has had seven solo exhibitions, two of which were in Rarotonga, as well as numerous joint and group exhibitions. Teata has curated three shows at the Dunedin Community Art Gallery. Teata is represented by Okaioceanikart Auckland, Toi O Tahuna Fine Art Gallery Queenstown, The Artists Room Dunedin, Harrison's Gallery Taraunga, Salamander Gallery Christchurch and LESA Gallery Wellington.
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Written by Candace Weir
[1] David Teata (artist), email message to author September 24 2011.