NIKI HeniPaiaro WHITE
Niki Henipaiaro is a Taranaki born artist, living in the mountains of Te Waipounamu. Her whakapapa is to Ngāti Tama, Ngāi Tahu (Ngāti Wheke, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rarua), Ngāti Mutunga & Ngāti Toa Rangatira. Nikis multidisciplinary practice explores processes common to sculpture and installation, shifting scale and materials while utilising 3D visual story telling methods. Nikis work combines ancient making methods with contemporary craft practices aiming to bring the story telling aspect of Māori culture into her visual arts practice in unique ways. While she does use traditional pattern language in her weaving work, most of her art practice is more abstract in its visual language.
Her studio based arts practice is centred in research and 3D making processes. She has an affinity for kinaesthetic processes ranging from forging and metal smithing to traditional and contemporary weaving methods. Nikis small scale metal work explores the alchemy of materials, creating opportunities for processes and materials natural properties to guide outcomes. The results are explorative pieces that look volcanic reflecting the metaphysical world.
Niki has worked on large scale international film productions in the art department props, set dec and metalwork teams. Her work has been featured on the Lord of the Rings - Rings of Power and large NZ film projects. Niki has been a featured artist at the Tāhuna Māori Pacific artists showcase and the Te Atatu Harbourview Sculpture Trail, as part of artist trio Tactic Magic featuring painter Ken Merrick & blacksmith Nate Saville.
She creates sculpture for exhibition and jewellery for exhibition and galleries under the monkier Māori Metal.
She is mentored by master weaver Rokahurihia Ngarimu Cameron. And has an upcoming show at Te Atamira in Tahuna over Matariki 2025.
Her new kaupapa, Nau Mai Te Ao is a blend of creative and healing practices, created for whanau to have a hand in making. This has been influenced by her studies with esteemed mahi wairua kaumatua Wiremu Niania.
Insta @naumaiteao
Insta @maorimetal