Ink drawing exhibition showcases Maori culture and spirituality.

Wintec’s Spark Week ventured away from the city  for an exhibition opening at the Waikato University.

Liam Te Nahu’s “Tēnā Koe” is a showcase of his ink drawings inspired by Maori culture and his own spirituality.

Liam says the title is a way in which he connects with the viewer.

“The title of it is Tena Koe which literally means ‘that’s you’, so every time someone says that form of greeting not only are you conveying a formal greeting of hello you’re also saying that’s you.”

“In choosing this form of expression to name the exhibition it was to me a way of bringing my artwork closer to the viewer. On one level I am greeting them as an artist personally, spiritually and creatively and on another I’m saying to the viewer ‘that’s you’.”

Liam, who is currently completing his Masters at Wintec, studied art at Toihoukura in Gisborne.

“Tēnā Koe” will be running till October 17 in the Calder and Lawson Gallery at the University of Waikato.