Originalz Collection (About the Art)

OUR ORIGINALZ COLLECTION 

Our work is created by local designers who have a passion for cultural art. We work closely with our artists to create meaningful designs, whilst still giving them the freedom to add their own personality and style. The Originalz Collection is all about family, ancestry and connecting to OUROOTZ. 

The Whanau Design

For this piece we worked with Maori artist, Tom Simmons, who has a love for drawing ta moko and connecting to his roots through his mahi (work). His work speaks volumes and is always meaningful. This piece is about family, hence naming it 'whanau'.

Our Whanau collection is designed to represent the connection between our culture, us, and our ancestors. How 'ourootz' grow deeper when two people come together. This bond is shown in the design’s symmetry, symbolising a connection that extends from the past, present and future. To represent the Maori culture and history, we chose to use a paua background.

The wing-like structure either side of the design represents our ancestors and past loved ones, acting as our guardian angels. The korus connecting represents two people coming together, while the extending korus represent our parents and grandparents; ultimately  demonstrating the extended lineage and expansion when two families come together. Finally, the two korus inside the oval-egg-like structure in the centre of the design, symbolise a females ability to carry and create life, representing new life and future generations.

The Aiga Design

For this piece we worked with the passionate artist Hilton, from My YaHUart. 

Along the bottom of the design you will see the name of God & Jesus in Hebrew (original biblical language), portraying that God & Jesus (the Father & the Son) are the foundation of family. Above this are thin patterns resembling the bones of our ancestors, representing those who have passed and our history. Additionally, they also resemble the bones of our living elders, grandparents and parents, which family foundations are built on. 

Upward from the bone-like structure is the top left-hand corner of the Samoan flag, representing Samoan culture and its entirety, with the addition of colouring the design like a Tapa. Above this are root-like patterns showing the connection between families. They also acknowledge the important role our women play in keeping a family strong. Additionally, there is the spear shaped patterns representing our men and father's, acknowledging their role in providing and protecting.

Overall, the design resembles family and how ‘ourootz’ are bonded by the love and foundation of our culture and lineage. Hence the name Aiga.