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Regional | Arts

Kete - Plastic not so Fantastic

A well-known flax weaver from Te Whakatōhea, Tangimoe Clay claims that the traditional use of kete to collect food is rarely seen today.

She presented five of her kete at the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre because too many people are using plastic bags.

She is now shining a light on a renewable but traditional practice.

Tangimoe Clay says, "My concept is no more plastic bags and to use what is handed down from my forefathers."

Clay wove five kete to display at the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre encouraging more Māori to practise traditional food gathering methods from native bush and the ocean.

She says, “Mahi kai, mahi kumara and kete kai.”

Kim Paton says, “The workman show is really diverse and it gives us a terrific survey of contemporary practise in the fields of arts. Contemporary craft, jewellery, design and glass. I think getting that overview and thinking about that through objects is something really amazing about the awards.”

Along with several other local Bay of Plenty artists, her work is displayed in the Molly Morpeth 3D Art Awards.

Paton says, “Overall i thought the entrance was incredible and an amazing breadth of work with different approaches to home material process. Also really strong attention to conception to underpinning some great work.

Clay is one of seven artists who will display their artwork during the awards over the next four weeks.