He Kokonga Ngākau - Exhibition by Ila-Rose Hepetema

This Exhibition is Ila-Rose’s debut exhibition and will be exploring the treasures of Aotearoa. Presented as a cross section of Ila-Roses varied styles viewers can expect a range of oil paintings and alcohol marker drawings.

Ila-Rose Hepetema - is a bay of plenty based, Māori artist working primarily in oil painting and portraiture. Her fascination with art, and more specifically colour theory has been lifelong.

Her academic career includes a diploma in contemporary Māori art levels 5/6 from Wananga O Aotearoa. In 2020 she accepted her first commission for portraits and began her career as a working artist.

Her early work has been predominantly alcohol markers on paper which offered Ila-Rose the saturation and vibrancy to develop a style heavily focused on colour composition. In 2023 Ila-Rose began oil painting, applying her unique style to a new medium which quickly became her go to.

Her recent works, mainly oil paintings, focus on New Zealand native fauna, often incorporating a contemporary approach to traditional kowhaiwhai patterns.

Sponsored by Gate Pa New World this exhibition launch preview is Friday 5th Sept at 5.30pm at the Incubator Creative Hub. Licensed Bar and everyone is welcome.

On display at Okorore Ngā Toi Māori Gallery and Studios from 6th September.

You may also like the following events from The Incubator Creative Hub:

• This Thursday, 31st July, 07:30 am, It's All About The Chair - An Exhibition by Tauranga Northern Health School in Tauranga
• This Friday, 1st August, 12:00 am, Ōtūmoetai College – Art Exhibition by Junior Students in Tauranga
• This Friday, 1st August, 12:00 am, Feet of Clay Ceramic Show Case in Tauranga

Also check out other Arts events in Tauranga, Exhibitions in Tauranga, Fine Arts events in Tauranga.