Sofia Minson - From The Darkness - Te Pō

The story of From The Darkness - Te Pō

The title of this piece "From The Darkness -Te Pō" refers to an unfolding of life, just like the rose with its light and colour opening-up from the black canvas. Out of Te Pō comes the wind of life and finally a burst of life into Te Ao Mārama (the material world of light) where we all live. Tihei Mauri Ora! is the well-known call that celebrates that bursting forth of life.

Many cultures are represented in this work, as they are in much of Sofia's life and art. Unfolding from the darkness is an English rose painted in loose, watery washes of acrylic paint, surrounded by intricate patterns of Eastern and Maori origin. A border of woven flax and feathers allude to korowai (traditional Maori feather cloaks) and whariki (large flax mats). The canvas hangs loosely, reminding us of Pacific tapa cloth. The mandala design encircling the rose creates a sacred space in this artwork. A mandala is a spiritual and ritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the Universe.

The rose as well as the koru and double spiral patterns that feature in this work, are all symbols of creation, unfurling and growth.