Dr Sandy Adsett
Sandy Adsett is an acclaimed New Zealand artist, painter, carver, and weaver
Born and raised in Raupunga, he attended Te Aute Boy’s College in Hawke’s Bay; in the 1960s he became an arts specialist for the Department of Education, helping to introduce the new Māori Arts in Schools programme. In 2005 he received the Order of New Zealand for Service to Art, and he was made adjunct professor for his contribution to art education and the Māori community by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. In 2006 he received his Master of Māori Visual Arts with First Class Honours from Massey University; this was followed in 2014 with Massey University awarding him an honorary doctorate.
Waipuna
Waipuna 1978
This painting features traditional design patterns of Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Waipuna means artesian spring. Here, depicted in a swirling movement. To Māori, this pristine water that emerges from Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, has spiritual powers of healing. Water is regularly used by Māori for ritual cleansing.
Materials: Acrylic oil on board. Collection of Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand.
Visit this artwork: Main Pavilion at the Giardini
“I've lived my life with Māori art. Our culture has been challenged, questioned and ignored. Being colonised we lost much. I made a commitment years ago to be tūturu and enjoy the art I respect and belong to,”