Maata-Maria Cartisciano

My artwork depicts my interpretation of the Tararua Mountain Range. I intended to capture the shadows, valleys, and slopes imprinted within the natural landform; alongside my relation to the whenua I’ve never known. Geographically, I was born in Australia and have lived there for the entirety of my life; until one year ago, we relocated to living in New Zealand. The two countries showed immeasurable contrasts in the landscapes, environment, and culture. On my father’s side, I am Italian (Calabrian). And on my mother’s side, my Koro was from—Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Rangitāne o Manawatū; and on my Nana’s side, she was from up the Whanganui river—Tamahaki, Te Ati-Hau-Nui-a-pāpārangi. For this specific piece, I was influenced by artists like Graham Downs, William Sutton, Henry Lowen-Smith, and Colin McCahon; however, my biggest inspiration is sourced from Claude Monet’s artwork. His ability to capture light and show movement through intricate details, is something I admire and aim to potentially be capable of incorporating into my own work.

Works by Maata-Maria Cartisciano