Double Poutama is an innovative collaboration between artistic friends Matt Liggins Studio and Dr Foothead. This project merges Matt’s architectural expertise with a physical cube that serves as a portal to the captivating virtual reality world crafted by visual artist Dr Foothead.
Within this VR experience, visitors embark on a fantastical journey through dimensions, guided by a charming companion across three unique realms. Here, one can explore and interact with extraordinary beings before returning to the real world.
The Double Poutama design draws inspiration from Māori tukutuku (lattice panel) art, featuring two mirrored, stepped patterns. This symbolizes collective growth, collaboration, and the journey of learning—reflecting the aspiration for self-improvement and community advancement. The steps signify levels of achievement and potential, encouraging individuals and communities to strive for greater knowledge.
We hope you enjoy the drawings and the creative process that accompanies them, inspiring you to embark on your personal journey of exploration and creativity. We are working towardsunveiling Double Poutama with Northart this winter! Stay tuned for updates!
About the Artists
Matt Liggins
Matt Liggins (Ngati Ruanui) has successfully showcased his paintings and sculptures both individually and collectively throughout Australia and New Zealand. His background as an architect spans the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and he currently serves as a professional teaching fellow at Auckland Architecture School.
Over the past decade, Matt has presented installation works such as the Real Pyramid Schemer, Plastic Bag House, Vitruvian Tunnel, Auckland City’s Christmas Pavilion, Euclidean Tower, Colour Theory, and Sunrise(t), engaging the public with thought-provoking themes.
His studio projects encourage research, critique, and discussion on topical issues relating to identity, culture, religion, and politics, allowing for wider audience engagement without the constraints often found in commercial architectural practices.
Double Poutama marks Matt’s first endeavour to connect with his Māori ancestry. This year, he aspires to pursue a PhD focused on creative practice, researching Tauranga Ika Pa in South Taranaki, further deepening his understanding of Te Ao and his family's whakapapa.
Dr Foothead
Dr Foothead is known for his mesmerising imagery defined by hypnotic detail, hyper saturated colour and dynamic, flowing form. The characters in his work navigate inner and outer worlds, experiencing states of mental abstraction, mystical revelation and transformation. His preferred tool is pen on paper however his repertoire includes painting (acrylic, watercolour, aerosol), celanimation (paper/digital/direct to negative), and directing, storyboarding, designing his animated films. Often these ingredients are merged with the work of musicians and other fellow makers to create unique and absorbing cultural artefacts (music videos, murals, costumes and textile prints).
Dr Foothead is the alias of Daniel Foothead; Director, Animator and graphic artist. His music videos have screened at international festivals including CutOut Fest, KLIK!, and FEST ANČA.