Artworks inspired by Matariki

20 July 2010
Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prisons, in the centre of Auckland, hold around one-third of the New Zealand’s remand prisoner population. Just over 500 men are held there at any one time, waiting for their cases to go before the courts for trial, sentencing, bail or transfer to another prison.

Within an environment of constant change, Programme Co-ordinator Nazara Rafik facilitates arts programmes that bring an element of anchor for the prisoners who take part.

A Matariki art competition was held recently and last week it was judged by Moana Tipa, Prison Arts Advisor, Arts Access Aotearoa. The competition drew 34 entries with 20 submitted for visual art and 14 for language arts, including poetry and short story writing.

There were four winning visual artworks. Two works by the same artist (called Matariki 2010) were placed first equal for relevance to the theme, and for skill in use of colour, form and use of text.

The work Whaea in second place demonstrated understanding of its subject; emotion, light and shade. In third place, the artist’s innate knowledge of kowhaiwhai showed up in the surface drawing of the subject (Tumatauenga and Rongomaraeroa). Two other works received merit.

At the suggestion of Nazara and arts tutor Libby Patterson, four writing prizes were awarded to encourage greater literacy and use of language among writers of short stories and poetry. 

The winning story contains a sense of the Māori world and its thinking: “ … but someone who was familiar with the night sky years ago would have seen them. They are tiny little dots. They are noticeable. As I sat by the fire getting warm, getting told a story by this old man …. [I think] to myself  Matariki [will] rise again.”

The three poetry prizes were awarded to Out there and in touch, A lament and Matariki – poetry entrance.

The competition revealed the potential in these men and their often unlocked creative talent. Participating in art can assist prisoners toward rehabilitation by helping develop their interpersonal skills, sense of self-worth, and providing an impetus for a change in life direction.