Petal & Plume - An Exhibition by Debbie Tipuna

Debbie Tipuna is a well-established trade published children’s author and illustrator, currently works as a children’s Librarian and is a cool Nana. She lives in the beautiful coastal city of Tauranga, New Zealand near to the historic Opopoti Marae on the Maungatapu peninsula waterfront.
This exhibition will be made up of the two styles of artwork that Debbie has consistently produced over the years. Her illustrative works depicting New Zealand flora and fauna predominantly featuring children and birds. The other body of work is Maori design based and tells the story of her interactions with aotearoa, Maori design and whanau.

After completing her studies in Māori Design and Visual Communication at Waiariki Polytechnic, Debbie continued to develop her practice while raising a family, and now as an established artist has a number of awards to her credit including finalist placings in the Rotorua Museum Art Awards, Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards and Miles Art Awards. Debbie's published illustration work includes; Ko Mauao te Maunga: Legend of Mauao (Mauao Publishing, 2018), The Farmyard Idol (Purple Chicken Press, 2017), Ko Wai Hei Hoa Mōku? (Huia, 2011), Poetry Pudding (Reed NZ, 2007), Girls in the Kapahaka (Reed NZ, 2005) and Friends you can Count on (Reed NZ, 2005). Boys in the Waka Ama. (Penguin 2020). In 2017 Debbie was named the inaugural recipient of the Tautoko Maori Foundation Art Residency and spent 3 months in Irsina, Italy painting.

Debbie is currently working on a new children’s picture book. Debbie offsets her illustration work with the creation of painted and multi-media works depicting whanau, sense of place, and her featuring her own interpretation of maori design and craft.

Opening preview Saturday 2nd December, 10am in the Incubator lounge. Everyone welcome.
On display in The Incubator Gallery from the 3rd December to 20th December 2023.