Lyall Hakaraia (Māori, with ancestors from across the moana and Pākehā) is an artistic polymath living in London whose work encompasses making, producing, directing, designing and curating. They are London’s only QTIPOC owner operator of a queer arts venue (VFD) in the East End. Their work encompasses communal artworks, creating ritual, making sustainable custom clothing, and working to strengthen and sustain the wellbeing of Queer artists.  All of their work reflects a passion for working with marginalised people to create functioning communities through the arts. Lyall is proud to be a visible representative of their takatapui diversity. They are a founding member of In*ter*Is*land collective the first Pasifika arts collective in the UK, Faggamauffin a London based QTIPOC carnival sound system and Black Trans Project supporting Trans and Non binary artists with the musician Neneh Cherry. 

'I would love something to wear that represented my culture and heritage. Look at the fabulous clothing that Whetu Tirikatene Sullivan wore ...' With these words Georgina Beyer started me on a journey to create kākahu for her. 

Inspired by the incredible wardrobe that Whetu wore during her time as an MP, that was made collaboratively with artists, designers and seamstress's. The kākahu made for Whetu featured Māori designs and were made in styles and materials that were modern and fashionable 'le mode du jour'. Her representation of strong Māori women in white patriarchal politics in Aotearoa continues to be important with Whetu becoming a popular figure, an icon, a 'Million Dollar Māori'. To reflect Georgina's work as a Takatāpui Rangatira, we look to build on Whetu's creative whakapapa and to further enrich the wairua of this korowai. This tāonga grows with mana as it passes through the hands and aroha of those in the Takatāpui and Pasifika communities who will be working together to hand finish it. 

Elements of the Ngutu Kākā kowhaiwhai design have been integrated into the body of the kakahu and is finished with korowai hukahuka. The korowai is modern in design and uses materials and techniques that are available today while acknowledging the importance of our culture and heritage. 

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua. 

- Māori Proverb 

We look forward to Georgina wearing the korowai and confirming that she is a 'Billion Dollar Māori' cloaked in mana and aroha. 

— Lyall Hakaraia, Artist Statement

The Water Tastes Different Here is on at Tautai Gallery till July 30 2022