From the news headlines to carving, from poetry and film to waiata and whakatauki, the taniwha is a pervasive yet mysterious figure in our culture.
Taniwha take many forms and exhibition Whāia te Taniwha at Christchurch Art Gallery until the 15th of February, brings together artists considering these shapeshifters in all sorts of ways
The exhibition was inspired by a Marsden Fund supported research project by two of the co-curators Dr Kirsty Dunn and Dr Madi Williams, who have come together with Pouarataki Curator Māori at the gallery Chloe Cull.
Joining Culture 101 were Kirsty and Chloe.
Kirsty Dunn is of Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, and Ngāpuhi descent. She's a poet and researcher with a doctorate in Māori literature in English. And Chloe Cull is of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi te Ruahikihiki whakapapa.
Tanwiha the book - in which twelve Kāi Tahu artists and writers follow the tales of taniwha for young people - is available now as well as a special taniwha edition of gallery magazine Bulletin.
