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GRAPHIC
DESIGN & ART
DIRECTON

Ahi Kā


Art Direction
with Storybox & David Hakaraia
for Wellington City Council
2022

THE BRIEF

      In 2022, Matariki (The Māori New Year) became an officially recognised public holiday. To mark the occasion, Wellington City council hosted a major celebration on the waterfront. Storybox were asked to produce a large scale projection work to be mapped onto Te Papa, the national museum.

















THE SOLUTION

      Ahi Kā refers to the continuous burning of home fires, a common practice during the long nights of Matariki, which falls around the time of the winter solstice.
      Conceived by David Hakaraia, the piece is inspired by indigenous histories and tribal narratives. The story is brought to life with graphic patterns designed by Hakaraia and illustrations by Rawiri Barribal. Narration by Toa Waka guides the viewer through the work.