Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
7 mins ago
Te Kupenga Scholarship Recipient- Latrelle Nepe
Coming from a whānau with natural artistic ability has allowed a young Gisborne student to pave a future for himself in the world of art at Toihoukura, EIT’s School of Māori Visual Arts.
Latrell Nepe radiates determination, passion, and creativity. His artistic talents were recognised as he secured himself one of the two available Te Kupenga scholarships, announced via Facebook live due to current COVID alert level requirements.
His submission was among many young talented artists from across the motu. He has done himself, his whānau, and region proud by earning this scholarship exclusive to Toihoukura.
At a time when prospective students are preparing for their studies at EIT Tairāwhiti in 2022, Latrell has earned himself financial support for a year towards his Te Toi o Ngā Rangi (Bachelor of Māori Visual Arts) programme. Te Kupenga in conjunction with the government fees free scheme covers two years of paid study in total.
Self-described as “always drawing”, he took inspiration from Tūmatauenga, deity of war and humanities. Latrell’s artistic production was brought to life after three months of creative vision and dedicated mahi.
The Te Kupenga scholarship has not only provided Latrell with financial security by alleviating his future finances but has also awarded him an opportunity to stay local to pursue his passion. Leaving the comfort of high school can be a big move, but he believes the transition will be smooth due to the whānau focused atmosphere Toihoukura encompasses.
“I’ll always stay in Gizzy, it’s my home” he says. “I can’t stay away from Gizzy, it hurts my heart”. Latrell (Te Aitanga a Mahaaki, Te Whānau a Kai, and Rongowhakaata) was proudly raised in Patutahi and holds great value in fulfilling his ambitions within his community.
To assist this process, he sought guidance from his mentors. His uncle Makarini Solomon and Johnny Poi, his art teacher from Lytton High School.
Speaking to Johnny, he says “Latrell is like a sponge, once he figures out what he wants to do he runs with it”. He also comments on Latrell’s persistent passion for art, as it was a subject he chose in his early years of high school. Johnny has been a part of his creative journey since Year 11.
Although Latrell says his whānau is filled with lots of artistic influence he has decided to be the first to utilise this gift, which will be enabled through the guidance of well-renowned local creators and artistic scholars at Toihoukura.
He is grateful for the relationships he already established with full-time students after joining Tairāwhiti Schools Trades Academy’s Pikitoi Programme at EIT in Year 13. Through the Trades Academy he was able to “learn more techniques you can’t learn at school” which have contributed to his prize-winning masterpiece.
He chose to enrol in the Friday programme as it complemented his other art-oriented subjects through school. His only regret? “I wish I had done it earlier” he smirks.
Standing next to his submission with a sense of satisfaction, he describes the meaning behind the detail. Featuring pitau designs taught by his uncle, the head of Tūmatauenga features a manaia to represent the keeper of secrets, a scar on his right eye as the God of War, and elements of shading as a nod to the influence of Johnny on his journey so far. The idea itself simply sparked from playing his favourite video game.
He alludes to advice received from Johnny which inspired him to proceed with art studies and encounter the career opportunities this could lead to. “Everyone thinks he’s a shy boy, but he is far from it, he’s very social and gets on with everyone” Johnny admits.
His advice for Latrell moving forward is to keep his integrity as he has always been passionate about where he’s from. Johnny believes Toihoukura is the best place for him. “They’re big on values and whānau, he’ll fit right into that environment”.
The future is so bright for Latrell with his innate artistic abilities, ambitious mindset, and thirst for knowledge. “I’m still trying to find myself, still a young fella” Latrell insists. A young fella with so much creative expression to offer and develop at Toihoukura and beyond.
