The conceptual essence of Tupari Te Whata's adze, 1990

Abstract

This research report begins with an essay The Common Essence of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. It develops the idea that a work of art can be traced to its conceptual origin and that this can act as a beginning for another work, one in architecture. By using an indigenous artifact as a vehicle for this journey, an architecture can be created that belongs to New Zealand. The vehicle for this study is Tupari Te Whata's toki poutangata (ceremonial adze), a contemporary Maori sculpture. Based on an investigation, seven plates explore the object to a conceptual realm and finish with one possible beginning of architectural expression.