Nau Mai Haere Mai - Welcome

‘Toi-ariki, te Toi-uru-tapu, te Toi-uru-rangi, te Toi-uru-roa’

‘Art of the Gods, all sacredness, heavenly origin, all embracing-creation’

Toiariki’s founding Artist Richard Francis currently resides in Rotorua working full time as a Contemporary Maori Artist and Educator, specializing in Moko (Maori Indeginous Skin Art).

He is also keenly concerned with the re-development of the symbolism and information attached to Moko designs, mostly focusing on these issues as they relate to his affiliated Iwi, Pikiao, Makino and Rangiwewehi

His work as a practicing tā moko artist is only one of many roles that he fulfils as a visual artists, carver, graphic designer, researcher of whakapapa and tribal history.

Another passion of Richards is coaching Womens Rugby.

He is also a Kapa Haka performer for the Hikuwai Cultural Kapahaka Group from Rotoiti and a devoted Father.

TOIARIKI STORE

Multimedia collage

BLUE B-BALL Singlet

TA MOKO PROMO

  • MATAORA

    Richard Francis has been a self-employed Maori Artist for over 20 years.

    Operating his Business out of his Studio in Rotorua, New Zealand.

    Dedicating his life to the revival of Moko the traditional skin marking art form of the Maori People.

    TOIARIKI TA MOKO 
  • Academic Qualifications

    • 2015 Computer Graphics Level 5, Animation College, Rotorua
    • 2003 Certificate in Small Business Management, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, University of New Zealand.
    • 2002 Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning, Christchurch   College of Education
    • 1997 Studio Year 2, Toihoukura, Visual Arts Maori, Tairawhiti Polytechnic
    • 1996 Studio Year 1, Toihoukura, Visual Arts Maori,Tairawhiti Polytechnic
    • 1992-95 Advanced Diploma inVisual Arts and Design Maori with Honours, Tairawhiti Polytechnic
    • 1985-90 School Prefect, Eric Gully Cup (Top 7thForm Artist)              Higher School Certificate               Bursary-University Entrance                   Gisborne Boys High School
  • Artist Experience / Wananga Workshops

    • 2008 WOMAD Festival, Taranaki, New Plymouth, ‘Te Uhi’ Moko Symposium.
    • 2006 ‘Te Uhi’Ta Moko Symposium, Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.
    • 2004 South Pacific Festival of the Arts, Palau
    • 2002 Biennale Festival, Gyunju, South Korea
    • 2000 South Pacific Festival of the Arts, Noumea, New Caledonia
    • 1997 Bath International Music Festival, Bath, England,
    • 1996 Te Papa Tongarewa, Contemporary Meeting House, Rongomaraeroa, Wellington                   
    • 1996 South Pacific Festival of the Arts, Samoa
    • 1996 Patua, Te Waka Toi Festival of the Arts, City Art Gallery, Wellington
    • 1995 Te Atinga Indigenous Wananga, Symposium of Contemporary Visual Arts, Apumoana Marae, Rotorua
    • 1995 Nga Puna Waihanga, Dargaville
    • 1992 Whangara Wharekai
    • 1992 Paremata Kohanga Reo, Tolaga Bay
    • 1990 Gisborne Boys High School Hall "Coming of the Pakeha" Mural

    (Please note that bold references refer to overseas Art Experience and Exhibitions)

  • Selected Exhibitions

    • 2002-2007 Exhibiting work in galleries throughout New Zealand, ‘Kura Gallery’, Wellington, ‘Mad House’ Gallery, Rotorua,‘Te Raukura’ The Red Feather Gallery, Rotorua, ‘Te Mauri’ Gallery, Rotorua ‘Mataora’ Gallery, Parnell, Auckland
    • 2003 ‘Nga Pu Manawa’ Solo Exhibition, Hinehopu Health Centre, Rotoiti
    • 2003 Toi Maori, Festival of the Arts, Convention Centre, Rotorua
    • 2001 ‘Makaurangi’, Waikato Museum, Hamilton
    • 2000 ‘Waiata Mai’, Maia Gallery, Toihoukura, Gisborne
    • 1997 Toi Maori, Festival of the Arts, Convention Centre, Rotorua
    • 1997 ‘Haka’, Bath International Festival of Music, Bath, England
    • 1997 Te Papa Tongarewa, Contemporary Meeting House
    • 1996    ‘Patua’ Toi Maori Festival of the Arts, Wellington
    • 1995 ‘Toihoukura’ University of Hawaii, Hawaii           Toihoukura Dowse Gallery, Lower Hutt
    • 1995 Toihoukura Gisborne Museum, Gisborne
    • 1995 ‘Maia’, Gallery Opening, Toihoukura, Gisborne
    • 1995 ‘Te Matau’ Contemporary Arts Hui, Rotorua
    • 1994 ‘Festival of the Arts’, Wellington
    • Toihoukura, Gisborne Museum
    • ‘Ta Apirana Centennial Celebrations’, Christchurch University
    • ‘Taiawhiao’, Page 90 Gallery, Porirua, Wellington
    • ‘Tu Ake’, Gisborne Museum
    • Toihoukura, Hawkes Bay Museum
    • 1993 ‘Taiararau’, Te Taumata Art Gallery, Auckland
    • Waitangi Resort Hotel, Waitangi
    • ‘Te Tukemata o Kahungunu’, Hastings
    • ‘Taiararau’ Hei Tiki Gallery, Rotorua

    (Please note that bold references refer to overseas Art Experience and Exhibitions)

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