Te Whanau a Apanui, Ngati Awa

As both a visual and performance artist, Erena fuses her two passions in this exhibition to contribute towards the retention of her iwi stories. 
This latest series of works by Erena encompasses the tribal narratives of Te Whanau a Apanui. Her work is a translation of lyrical excellence by composers such as Erueti Korewha, Raniera Poihipi, Wiremu Tawhai and Cy McLeod. They are a visual expression of iwi histories, stories and whakapapa. Erena uses abstract imagery inspired by the stories of Te Whanau a Apanui and used in Tauira mai Tawhite compositions. 
Erena is influenced by the Maori world, her culture, her people and all it entails and these things inspire the imagery and symbolism used in her works. Koopu is a respected senior lecturer at Toihoukura School of Maori Visual Arts, EIT Tairawhiti Campus and one of the most recognized faces of Te Matatini on the contemporary kapa haka stage.