TECT presents Tauranga-based, contemporary Māori artist Todd Couper’s first survey exhibition.

It charts his impressive career over the past 15 years and includes works, not often viewed in public, sourced from private collections in New Zealand and overseas. 

Called Toi Mauri, which references the essence or spirit held within each individual artwork, this exhibition features a large selection of beautifully intricate whakairo rākau (wood carving), alongside cast bronze and drawing.

Couper’s subjects include kaitiaki (guardian spirits) from the natural world such as the hokioi (eagle), ruru (morepork) and whai (stingray) as well as other traditional forms. 

For Tauranga Art Gallery, Couper has also created a series of new works based on the pūrerehua form - a traditional Māori instrument.