The Vacant Spaces Pop-up Gallery: He Ipurangi

He Ipurangi
Charlotte Graham
Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Kotimana

This design titled “Ipurangi” depicts hue (gourds) — a taonga species traditionally used to store many things including water and food. Hue can also create healing sounds known as taonga pūoro. The design reflects the water whilst colours offer vibrancy to the storefront of Catherine Plaza. Twelve hue (honouring Hinepūtehue) the atua/guardian of the hue are positioned and angled to depict hue being raised upwards into te ao wairua (the spiritual realms) to depict abundance and reference peace. Mauri ora

Charlotte Graham is a well known New Zealand interdisciplinary artist with a thirty year fine art gallery career span. Graham is also a trained educator and Māori design lead. She confidently tests different materials to engage in indigenous dialogue, often working alongside her iwi to embed cultural design into site specific spaces.
Graham’s work addresses social, cultural and political issues. Her work is held in major public and private collections, national and abroad. Graham’s most recent civic works include the Chalmers Underpass in Avondale and Te Ara Kanapanapa o te Kuaka located at Trading Place, Henderson. Her last major gallery commission was for the Creative Learning Centre Commission, Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Art Gallery. She has four children and resides out West.

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The Vacant Spaces Pop-Up Gallery is brought to you by Auckland Urban Development Office and Corban Estate Arts Centre, and is part of the Henderson town centre revitalisation project. This inspiring project invites artists to reimagine vacant spaces and shop windows, turning them into vibrant temporary art installations that reflect the rich creative spirit of the community, transform everyday space, and make art accessible to everyone.