titiro mai ki au ''' all eyes on me
"'
titiro mai ki au ''' all eyes on me "'
'''all eyes on me"'
Ko Pirongia te maunga.
ko kawhia te moana.
ko tainui te waka.
ko rongotai lomas taku ingoa.
it all begins here
Rongotai Lomas Artist
Rongotai Lomas is an accomplished filmmaker and visual artist with a dynamic career spanning music videos and feature-length documentaries.
He has directed music videos for renowned artists such as Che-Fu, House of Shem, Dam Native, and Upper Hutt Posse, showcasing a deep understanding of visual storytelling and the power of music.
Rongotai’s expertise extends to editing feature-length documentaries, having worked with esteemed directors like Merata Mita, Geoff Murphy, and Heather Rae, contributing to impactful films that resonate with diverse audiences.
The artist’s current painting project, "TOA: The Māori Way of the Warrior," merges his cultural heritage with artistic expression, highlighting his Māori identity and the strength of the warrior spirit.
Painting & film
In 2023 Rongotai completed a Master of Visual Arts in Indigenous Film which has been pivotal in refining his practice as a visual artist. This academic achievement has allowed him to delve into painting, focusing on the human form with a profound appreciation for the complexities and beauty of the human body. His practice represents Rongotai’s deep commitment to exploring the intersection of art, culture, and identity.
Māori Identity
As a native-born Māori of Aotearoa, New Zealand, my own experiences, traditions, and cultural heritage are integral to this work. The narratives explore Māori values, traditions, and the struggles of the Māori people in the modern world. The use of the naked body in these narratives symbolizes vulnerability, strength, and a connection to our roots. Blood Land & Memory is an Indigenous Film [Master of Visual Arts - Link Here] which explores these themes.
Future
As Rongotai moves forward creatively, his goal is to integrate his extensive experience in filmmaking with his evolving practice in indigenous film and visual arts, creating a cohesive and vibrant body of work that celebrates Rongotai’s heritage and artistic vision. ‘Titiro Mai Ki Au’ - All eyes on me, as I create a world for all to see.
Art to Inspire
Body of work
“I intend to depict the Māori body as a canvas of storytelling, portraying the connection between Māori culture and the human form. Each painting reflects the significance of Ta Moko, Whakapapa Whanaungatanga and other Māori symbols and practices. ”
"'titiro mai ki au'''
Art: A life long love
“As a Fine Arts student delving deep into the art of drawing and painting, I discovered a newfound passion for capturing the human form - it’s grace, it’s strength, it’s infinite diversity.
My painting celebrates the human body, inspired by several artistic styles from Fritz Scholders’ bold, colorful shapes to Frazetta’s mastery of muscular anatomy, until I formed my own way.
I infuse all of these influences with my own Māori heritage, thereby exploring themes of identity, culture, and history.
As a native born Māori of New Zealand, my own experiences, traditions, and cultural heritage are an integral element of my work.
By combining my passion for life drawing with my Māori heritage, my art aims to provide a unique perspective on the beauty and strength of the naked human form and the rich cultural heritage of tangata whenua, the people of the land: Māori people.”
Embrace the inspiration of the creative process