BOB JAHNKE

Ata’ in te reo Māori means reflection, form, light and shadow, but also refers to the act of deliberation.

Professor Bob Jahnke’s Ata explores Māori creation narratives and prophetic imagery through light and reflection.

This new body of wall-mounted and free-standing installation works explores reflection using neon text and pattern inspired by the practices of Ivan Navarro and Paolo Scirpa. The technique results in a repetition of pattern that appears infinite but disappears into a void of darkness. Through these optical effects Jahnke endeavours to capture the Maori notion of the emergence of Te Ao Marama the world of light from the darkness of Te Po.

Exhibition toured by PATAKA ART + MUSEUM