Leon Kipa

A descendant of Waikato, Te Arawa, Ngā Puhi and Ngāti Kahu and now living and working in Auckland. Leons work reclaims Māori object design and indigenous knowledge. An industrial designer of 20 years. He now pursues his indigenous values for guidance. With 5 years of whakairo practice and 3 consistent years of Māori language aquisition. Leon crafts work that represents genealogy, sustainability and nature.

Titled 'Te Kapua' Leon investigates his tribal surface designs associated to tōtara in this series of suspended objects. Ornately carved beneath like a waka huia the viewer is intended to recline to enjoy the whakarei patterns. Essentially a vertical space divider hung from the ceiling, Te Kapua will enhance a nook for contemplation. Like a cloud suspended between Ranginui and Papatūānuku these objects float and redirect light and shadow. The weight is reduced with structural ribs built in, much like the ocean voyaging waka of his ancestors of Te Moananui a Kiwa.,