Geology of Karioi Volcano by Oliver McLeod, 2024

This intense portrait of Karioi Maunga depicts a landscape of volcanic silence and cultural tension between the Tainui-Māori and colonial experiences of maunga, whakapapa and turangawaewae.

The volcanic maunga is a repeating motif of the South Pacific, an anchor stone of memory and identity of place within the vast, formless mass of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa. Layers of geological time merge seamlessly into the human past, present and unknown future, leaving a wake of stone and ghosts.

Cartography is the grand narrative of land. Art also presents breathtaking landscape compositions that help the viewer appreciate and understand the vast expanses upon which civilisation is built.

The intersection between art and cartography goes far beyond the notion of design and illustration. Much like the landscape compositions of Rita Angus and Ralph Hotere, map-making contains multiple cultural and social reference points that together create distinct identities; an art form that enables one to know historically, where our place is.

Oliver McLeod’s map of the Geology of Karioi Volcano, supremely captures the density and complexity of human life as it continues to add its own contours to the volcanic landscape that is represented by this magnificent blend of art and science. The artwork is the setting for cultural tensions between the Tainui-Māori and colonialism. It is an original composition signed by the artist and book author, Oliver McLeod.