The Story Behind the Painting

 Tūi Wearing Korowai

This painting was inspired by a vivid dream in which the shimmering feathers of a tūī transformed into a traditional korowai cloak. In the dream, the bird and the cloak became one, revealing a powerful connection between the natural world and cultural identity. The tūī, with its iridescent plumage and distinctive white throat tufts, appeared as both guardian and storyteller, carrying the spirit of the forest within its feathers. As those feathers flowed into the rich folds of the korowai, they became a symbol of protection, prestige, and ancestral knowledge.

The relationship between the tūī and the korowai speaks to the deep connection between Māori culture and the environment. A korowai is far more than a garment; it embodies mana, whakapapa, and the presence of those who came before. Likewise, the tūī is treasured for its beauty, intelligence, and voice, often seen as a messenger between worlds. In this painting, the transformation of feathers into cloak suggests that the wisdom of nature can be worn, carried, and passed from one generation to the next. The work honours both the bird and the korowai as symbols of identity, guardianship, and the enduring bond between people, culture, and the living landscape of Aotearoa.

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