Tiare Ngata-Aerengamate

Artist 

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Tiare Ngata-Aerengamate, a 21-year-old artist from Ngati Porou and Aitutaki (Rarotonga), is passionate about blending her Maaori heritage with modern technology in her work as a 2D animator and freelance illustrator. Tiare enjoys experimenting with various styles and mediums, using digital tools like Procreate and Photoshop, as well as acrylics for traditional painting.

 

Her work often explores themes of fantasy, identity, and nostalgia, drawing inspiration from her cultural roots and influences like her 3rd great granduncle Apirana Ngata, Hayao Miyazaki, and Peter Gossage. With a career that began as a hobby, Tiare is now focused on inspiring others to embrace their cultural identity through art and has achieved milestones such as competing in the Art Battle finals twice.

 

Dedicated to creating a legacy for future generations, she is currently working on launching a comic that creatively combines Maaori influence with modern storytelling.