russell moses

Each of these 25 mere shaped pieces are delicately painted to reflect not only the marbling of pounamu but also elements of ancient Maori rock drawings, the flicker of light on water and the more intricate details of rock and foliage.

Russell Moses lives and works in Port Chalmers and this series of works makes reference to Ngai Tahu and the site of Whareakeake Beach, known colloquially as Murdering Beach. The area was a power base for Ngai Tahu who transported pounamu from the West Coast during the early 1800s, ultimately crafting it into Hei Tiki and selling it as far afield as Sydney.