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Regional | Arts

'Hori' artist airs out 'Dirty Laundry' in Wellington

Two years ago, Hohepa Thompson caused a stir in the fashion world with his t-shirts depicting the face of Tame Iti superimposed onto an image of Osama Bin Laden, under his label 'Hori'.

These days, Thompson resides in Byron Bay, Sydney, but has returned to Wellington to showcase his works in an exhibition called "Dirty Laundry".  This follows a successful feature of his collection in the Miromoda Showcase at this year's New Zealand Fashion Week.

To some they are merely clothes, but to Thompson they mean so much more.  He says his exhibition, "Was created so you could look at different issues and use the art to talk about (those) issues."

A culmination of work over the past two years, it's a new perspective from the eyes of Hohepa.

Putting down roots in Australia has seen him meet many Māori who have lost touch with their Māori culture.

"There's a lot of people over there, that's why I've done the whole 'Mozzy' theme, for those who don't know their heritage."

Though the money in the art industry is scarce, Hohepa has committed himself to this work, for spiritual and creative fulfilment.

The exhibition is being held at 101 Wakefield Street in Wellington until October 12.