Ta Moko Artists to attend the 4th International Tattoo Convention in London

Te Uhi a Mataora, the national collective of ta moko artists from Toi Maori Aotearoa, headed by renowned artists Derek Lardelli and Mark Kopua, are sending two members of the art form team to attend the 4th International Tattoo Convention in London, 26-28 September 2008.

Richard Francis of Te Arawa and Patrick Takoko from Ngati Porou have been selected to attend this convention.

Up to 200 world-class tattooists were selected from a pool of 1000 applicants worldwide. Most artists are from the USA and Europe.

Derek Lardelli commented: “Their aim is to investigate new techniques, innovations and trends that are pertinent to our art form and present those findings back to a wider collective of the Ta Moko community for our benefit.”

There has also been high interest in the demand for ta moko across Europe. This has presented an opportunity for Richard and Patrick to demonstrate their talents and work with the London community, in particular the Ngati Ranana network.

“Its awesome to make that connection with so many kiwis living in London and I guess they are wanting something that identifies them back to their homeland, Aotearoa. Ta moko is one way of linking them back,” said Patrick.

Richard Francis added: “I’ll be revelling in the fact that we will be mixing with the best tattoo artists of the world… and yet we have moko that is distinctive from all other tattoos.”

ENDS

About Toi Maori Aotearoa

Toi Maori Aotearoa is the national organisation for Maori art and artists and receives major funding from Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New
Zealand.

About Te Uhi a Mataora

For more information about Te Uhi a Mataora art form team, please visit the Toi Maori website:
http://www.maoriart.org.nz/about/committees/te_uhi

About the Artists

For more information about Richard Francis, please visit his website: www.toiariki.co.nz
For more information about Patrick Takoko, please visit his website: http://tamoko175.bebo.com

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