Paint & Print

Sandy Adsett

Ngati Kahungunu

Lives in Hastings.

Sandy’s paintings are more closely associated with the rafter patterns of the traditional meeting house.

However, he projected the idea of Kowhawhai (rafter patterns) from the ancestral house and re-interpreted them in large rectangular form for exhibition in galleries. The curvilinear forms of swirling and soaring koru designs and patterns have inspired younger artists. Unfortunately, none have had the benefit of working on many of the rafters of meeting houses in New Zealand to perfect their relationship to the art form in its original setting.

He has exhibited throughout New Zealand and many other parts of the world. His work is held several major public and private collections.

Sandy is one of the most influential artists working within Maoridom today. He has achieved this through his work in art education and as the founding chairman of Te Atinga, the contemporary Maori art committee of Toi Maori Aotearoa.

He is currently the senior tutor at Toimairangi, Contemporary Maori Arts School, of Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Hastings.