Ngā Tohu Mārama
Ngā Tohu Mārama / Symbols of Understanding. In 2013 the seven laser cut steel icons were welded in place on the pou in the lake after artist Jeremy Shirley’s ‘fresh, vibrant and well-composed’ concept was chosen from a call for proposals of a site specific response to the pre-existing timber posts in the lake. Shirley’s proposal resonated with the selection panel because not only was his work bright and playful, it also reflected the university whakatauki “ko te tangata'' meaning for the people.
Ngā Tohu Mārama as an example of symbolism relies on the tacit knowledge of the viewer to understand what is being signified as each symbol has a distinct meaning linked to the university.
If approaching the work from the direction of the Academy of Performing Arts the first symbols encountered are those that represent truth and growth. Ultimate truth is depicted as three repeating diamonds which are used to portray excellence. The next icon represents growth, shown in the negative space of the piece as a small seed in the lower green circle, to a slightly larger seed as it grows in the middle circle, through to germination as it breaks through the confines of the steel and connects the seed with the outside world and reaches towards the sky.
Continuing along the boardwalk towards the eastern most end, the next cluster of symbols are hard to miss. The green symbol shaped like the number three with dots through it represents communication, specifically the written word and numbers. It seems fitting then that the figure is more numeral as maths is a universal language. Across from this is the symbol representing awareness. Depicted as a pink repeated eye it symbolises life and presence. The light orange tohu is a well recognised flower form and represents Polynesia, symbolising fruition and completion.
Closer to the water is the darker orange symbol of fluttering flags. This represents diversity, expressed through the ubiquitousness of nation flags around the world. The final symbol at the western end of the lake are five triangles standing on top of one another with a mangopare symbol cut into the top. This represents the Kiingitanga and the five Māori kings of the Tainui Waikato region prior to the Māori Queen Te Atairangikaahu. They were Pootatau Te wherowhero, Taawhiao, Mahuta, Te Rata and Koroki. The mangopare is a well used motif in Māori culture and primarily represents strength.
Artist Jeremy Shirley, the artist behind Hamilton’s bright bus stops, has a long artistic and heritage background. Ngā Tohu Mārama not only demonstrates his distinctive and vibrant artistic style, but also his well rounded knowledge of the community within which the university operates. Each symbol can be further analysed and the highly stylised nature of each leaves them open to the interpretation of the viewer. Diamonds for excellence could also be viewed as the excellence and incomparable strength achieved through pressure. Germination can be construed as analogous to education or even the importance of community, for example quality soil. One could consider the deeper connotations of the triangle in Māori culture. Or, further still, the symbolism of the eye throughout history. The piece encourages further understanding, it is left up to the viewer to determine how deep they wish to go.