My Hei Matau
My Hei Matau
Mixed media sculpture by Shane Dudley
Shane Dudley creates homages to our nation’s past and multicultural makeup through his impressive and striking sculptural work. The larger-than-life scale of his pieces allows the power of the symbology and depth of the materials to take your breath away.
This piece is particularly special, as it is a shape and form only explored by the Artist once before. The traditional symbology of a hook (Hei Matau) in Māori culture represents strength, prosperity, fertility, good luck, and safe travel over water. At this scale, the artwork brings to mind the story of Maui - who is said to have fished up Te Ika-roa-a-Māui or the North Island with a great hook fashioned out of a jaw bone.
”This piece signifies the transition/evolution from traditional materials to modern stronger, harder-wearing materials. In this case, bone to steel. As in life, we must always strive to adapt/evolve into a stronger better version of ourselves.
The Hei Matau is also now a symbol of strength, prosperity, good luck and safe travel over water. “
160cm high x 110cm wide
Approx 12kg
