Te Haunui Tuna is a contemporary Māori artist whose work explores the rich intersection between tradition and pop culture. His acrylic paintings on plywood draw from customary Māori motifs and storytelling practices, blending them with influences from cartoons, comics, and contemporary visual culture. The result is a bold, layered style that honours whakapapa while pushing artistic boundaries.
Inspired by artists like Tom Sachs, Te Haunui embraces a raw, process-forward approach, where every brushstroke, cut edge, and line is visible and intentional. There’s a candidness and youthful energy in his work, a sense of curiosity and experimentation that invites viewers to look closely and consider the conversation between old and new.
Te Haunui’s home studio in Bellevue is a small but dedicated creative space. Primarily used for tattooing, it also serves as a place to showcase his visual art. During Open Studios, he’s excited to welcome visitors into this more intimate space and share the stories behind his evolving body of work.
