WendyHannah

Wendy Hannah is a celebrated Māori artist known for her captivating sculptural works and paintings that investigate the dynamic interplay of light, colour, and reflective materials. Her practice is deeply informed by ecological and political themes, viewed through the lens of te ao Māori, positioning art as a catalyst for social change and a humanist approach to life. Driven by an experimental methodology, Wendy explores the scientific properties of pigments and form. She masterfully juxtaposes materials, applying thick, glossy layers on unexpected sculptural supports to create works that dance with their environment. The works featured in this Oyster & Moon collection are from her acclaimed "Taiao Taonga (Treasures of the Natural World)" series. In this powerful collection, Wendy reinterprets the form of traditional pounamu necklaces—ancient symbols of protection and connection—as large-scale contemporary sculptures. Crafted from recycled plastics, discarded bags, and reclaimed fishing nets, these pieces are profound environmental statements. They embody a powerful narrative of transformation: turning waste into wairua (spirit), pollution into protection, and discarded materials into guardians for our time. Explore the visionary art of Wendy Hannah, a Ngāti Awa and Te Arawa artist. Her large-scale sculptural works and paintings, available at Oyster & Moon, explore ecological themes through a Māori lens, transforming recycled plastics into powerful contemporary taonga.. Discover these unique artworks that bridge ancestral wisdom with urgent contemporary dialogue, exclusively at Oyster & Moon.