Maori Myths and Legends | NZ Body Art Trust

The amazing, fascinating and colourful world of Body Art hits the shores of Lake Taupo this summer 12 – 21 February 2010 with a series of events designed to introduce Taupo and visitors to completely new dimension of art and entertainment.  

Professional and novice painters, models, prosthetics, mask and makeup artists gather in Taupo to create the animals, monsters, creatures and fantasy characters onstage that we more often see in the movies, on television, in the theatre and on fashion cat walks. 

The theme for the Taupo festival is – Maori Myths and Legends – referencing to the longstanding presence of Maori culture in the region. Presenting artists and models will be expected to design and create works accordingly with either traditional or contemporary flavours. 

This is contemporary art applied to the canvas of the human body, based on very ancient, multicultural traditions of marking, embellishing, beautifying and decorating.  It is an incredible process of design and skill and people are usually amazed by what is achieved. Models are literally transformed to become walking works of art; sometimes unrecognizable as human beings. 

The commitment of Capital Events, Taupo to bring a creative, cultural, social and economic difference to the town is further realised through hosting this unique creative based festival with huge community support from enthusiastic supporters like Hilton Lake Taupo, Youth Town, Taupo Museum, The Great Lake Centre, Creative Communities (Taupo) and of course the people of Tu Wharetoa. 

This is however not just a show or a few workshops or an exhibition. It’s Taupo’s event. Festival organisers are looking for all kinds of people to enter the body art competitions, to make masks, props and stage decorations, to host artists and help on the event site. It is a great community and family opportunity.