Artist Talk with Messini Palace

NORTHART was thrilled to host Messini Palace for an artist talk where she shared insights into her whakapapa and art-making journey. Messini Palace, a self-taught artist based in her Avondale studio in Auckland, discussed how her cast sculptures and visual art are deeply connected to her whakapapa. Her return to Aotearoa in 2017 after 20 years was a pivotal moment, allowing her to reconnect with her Ngāti Apakura iwi and Whanaunga.

Messini's artwork blends traditional Toi Māori elements—both vintage and contemporary whakairo rakau—with modern techniques and vibrant colors. This fusion reflects her Māori and Pākehā heritage and bridges the gap between past and present.

Recently, Messini was invited by renowned contemporary Māori painter Darcy Nicholas and Toi Māori Aotearoa to showcase her work at the TSB Art Show in Wellington.

Her collaboration with Te Māreikura, driven by their mutual admiration for each other’s work, led to a photographic project. Captured in the scenic, native Karekare waterfall at dusk, the project features Messini’s shimmering Wheku and Tahitian model Tom Tuarae, creating a striking dual-realm visual narrative.