Te Wehenga is the separation of Ranginui, sky-father, and Papatūānuku, earth-mother. Author and illustrator Mat Tait retells the Māori creation story for a new generation, in this absolutely stunning new book.
Tait, who is fluent in te reo Māori, seamlessly weaves both English and Māori through the pages, telling the story of Ranginui, Papatūānuku and their tamariki. Tait's writing is poetic and full of wairua. He threads heart and feeling through the fabric of the book.
Visceral illustrations underline the mana of the story. These illustrations are like nothing I've seen before. They are simply stunning - moody, dark and dripping with meaning. Tait, a South Island-based comics artist, displays his longstanding interest in mythology and local history within his artwork. He showcases his graphic style of illustration, within a muted palette. His use of colour - or the lack thereof - helps establish the mood of the book, providing clues to the emotional state of the characters and setting. While predominately an inky darkness, pops of white and other muted colours highlight objects and signal links between characters.
This is a book that you need to touch, to sit with. It is a stunning piece of artwork.
Tait uses the power of whakapapa to inspire, to let our younger generation understand their cultural advantages and inherent capabilities. He shows readers there is power, innovation, resilience and greatness in the stories of their tūpuna. Te Wehenga is a masterpiece that is so much more than 'just a book'. It belongs on every bookshelf.
Reviewer: Rebekah Fraser
Allen & Unwin