Reflection of who Brett is in the natural world, Te Ao Mārama, and who Brett is in the spirit world, Wairua.
 
This sculpture was displayed in the local gallery Toi Matarau. This piece was written about it: Toi Matarau's Post
 
Using a fine-grained and compact material, Ōamaru stone, Brett Keno lets the flow of kōwhaiwhai come to life through contemporary sculpture. I am immediately drawn into this piece and the way Brett has made a tough and gritty material appear soft and creamy. Each tiny granular particle making up this work serves as a firm reminder of our strength in numbers when we come together—the collective mana of our people—and the rare and beautiful moments in which we stop, to take a moment to ourselves and reflect.
 
He toka tū moana. A rock standing firm in the sea. Resilient, strong, timeless, and grounded by earth and ocean.
Ko rātou ngā toka tū moana.
Ka ākina rātou e ngā ngaru o te moana.
Ka ākina e te tai, ka ākina e ngā hau.
Engari, ahakoa pēhea, ka tū tonu, ka tū tonu.
 
They are the rocks standing in the sea. They are thrashed by the waves of the ocean. They are struck by the winds. But no matter what hits them, they stand strong.
 
Brett is a descendant of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Kāi Tahu. He was recently awarded the Toi Iho Māori Made authenticity quality mark.
 
Written by Clara Hakaraia, Toi Matarau Gallery