Abstract:
Chapter One explores Jahnke's first series of gallery works, entitled Ata, 'Shadow.'
Dealing with his early formative works, this chapter examines Jahnke's response to
Nopera Panakareao's metaphor of shadow and substance. Drawing inspiration from the
spiritual legacy of the nineteenth century Maori poropiti, 'prophets,' and also from his
artistic predecessors Ralph Hotere and Paratene Matchitt, Jahnke offers an interesting look at colonial relationships between Maori and Pakeha. Forming a strong foundation for his 'activist' agenda, this series is a reflection on the colonial past.