About the artists and designs

Aotearoa stands with Black Lives Matter

Artist: Ahilapalapa Rands (Kanaka Maoli, Fijian, Pākehā) is a curator, artist and writer. Much of her work is based in collaboration with others including Moana Fresh and D.A.N.C.E. art club. Using  video, illustration and animation, Ahilapalapa works to critique oppressive power structures and bring indigenous futurisms to life.

“I stand with Black Lives Matter and the urgent need to dismantle white supremacy. I designed this t-shirt inspired from the resistance that has been taking place to protect Ihumātao here in Aotearoa. There is a groundswell of politically active people connecting locally and internationally. From Ihumātao to Mauna Kea to Ulluru to Dakota to Wet'suwet'en to Free West Papua to Black Lives Matter to many more, our struggles are inter-connected and our solidarity is a powerful tool”

Tangata Whenua stand with Black Lives Matter

Artist: Huriana Kopeke-Te Aho (Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Rongowhaata, Te āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Fale’ula) is a self-taught artist and illustrator. Their work is primarily influenced by their Māori whakapapa, takatāpui identity and political beliefs. 

 

‘The poutama pattern is representative of the fact that we have a shared whakapapa in our struggles for liberation and referencing the fact that Māori and Polynesian communities have always drawn inspiration from Black liberation movements. The pakati pattern represents warriors and battles as well as strength and courage. I wanted to design something that acknowledged our shared history and that the struggle for black liberation, while being a separate struggle, has always influenced our movements here too. I stand with Black Lives Matter’

Pacific Islanders Stand with Black Lives Matter

Artist: Momoe Tasker (English / Samoan-Chinese) is a multidisciplinary punk artist. Born in Taitoko/Levin, raised in London, her work reflects her experiences of the best and worst of both worlds. Momoe's work investigates the marginalisation of women of colour, feminism, abuse and cultural identity through hand block printing/paint/textiles and live performance as vocalist/shared songwriter in GUTTS (queer sax punx band) and drummer in IMMIGRANTI (qtbipoc grime punx band). Through creative activism Momoe aims to break silence and strengthen solidarity within overlooked communities.

‘My picture tells of the earth, plants and sky all connected by the water that we must all take care of. Respecting the water will in turn help us all to flourish. The hair that runs through the middle represents mana, your life source/energy. In the Pacific your head is considered tapu, sacred. Your hair is an extension of that. Life is sacred. The four stars represent Ahmaud Arbury, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tony McDade. I see that the sky is filled with stars. 88 black lives were killed/murdered in the US by police so far this year. Last year, 235. All of these lives were sacred. I stand with Black Lives Matter’