Created by
Jesse
Ki Uta Ki Tai by Jesse Harte in Melbourne
Ki Uta Ki Tai
Ki Uta Ki Tai - From the Mountains to the Sea.
This multi-layered, 4 piece artwork showcases the Maori tale of the two Taniwha of Waipawa and Tukituki, onward to the story of Te Mata Rongokako.
Even just the geography of the river's path is new knowledge to me. I have a deeper appreciation of these river's and the history after the completion of these works.
Handpainted on plywood and intricately hand-cut every piece for a 3D effect.
Proudly displayed on the main street of Waipawa, Hawke's Bay.
Meet the Artist
Melbourne, AustraliaI’ve been a creator since kindergarten—starting with mud-finger paintings and evolving into expressive drawings throughout primary school. In high school, I pursued art with purpose, striving for excellence and exploring my creative potential. My journey continued through a Diploma of Fine Arts at Massey University in Wellington, where I experimented with a range of artistic mediums.
But it was during a year in Christchurch that my art truly expanded—both in scale and impact. Working on the broken buildings left behind by the earthquakes, I found a new purpose: bringing colour back to a city scarred by destruction. This experience with street art ignited a passion for creating public pieces that transform spaces and uplift communities.
Since then, I’ve taken on commissioned mural work for schools and private spaces, continuing to share my love of art in ways that people can engage with every day. This career isn’t just something I do—it’s a calling. Through colour, nature, and imagination, I aim to brighten the spaces around us and inspire those who pass through them.
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