Mary Wirepa
Mary Wirepa | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1904 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Died | 1971 |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Known for | Painting |
| Notable work | Otoko, Gisborne |
Mary Wirepa (1904–1971), also known as Mary Wi Repa, was a visual artist of Māori descent born in Auckland, New Zealand.[1]
Career
Growing up Wirepa had a love of music and only began painting around 1958, when she was in her 50s.[2] Wirepa had planned to attend the Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, and applied for a tuition grant from Māori Affairs, however she decided against attending.[3]
Although of Māori ancestry, Wirepa preferred not to directly reference her culture, but rather to draw her inspiration from the environment around her.[4] Her works often include cloud imagery or landscapes, including the piece Otoko, Gisborne (date unknown).[4]
Wirepa exhibited at the Willeston Galleries (Wellington) in 1964[5][6] and her pieces are included in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.[3]
Personal life
Wirepa married at the age of nineteen and had six children. Four of her children are artists, including her eldest son Arthur who is a known pianist in the Māori music industry.[3]
References
- ^ "Mary Wirepa". Auckland Art Gallery. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ "Mary Wirepa". ngataonga.org.nz. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ a b c "Mary Wirepa". collections.tepapa.govt.nz. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b "Otoko, Gisborne". Auckland Art Gallery. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ "Mary Wi Repa, and Selwyn Muru posing in the Public Library, Wellington". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ "Paintings by Mary Wi Repa, Willeston Galleries, Wellington". National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help)
