About River Jayden

 

Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa 

& English descent.

River is a visual artist and graphic designer who specialises in digital design and painting. While her work is visually striking with intense colour, her work also explores cultural appropriation.

River is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts from University of Canterbury, where she is continuing her postgraduate studies. River's research within art history looks at colonial and religious appropriation of māori culture, with a particular focus into the appropriation of kōwhaiwhai patterns within christianity, as a deliberate way to assimilate māori. 

"Research is fundamental to my painting practice, it inspires me to create works that spark debate, and the narrative is usually politically charged” - River Jayden.     
                
River uses her digital art practice to create clothing and prints that is inspired by Māori culture in particular kōwhaiwhai patterns. Her unique flair for vibrant design, makes her work highly sort after.

River has exhibited both nationally and internationally and is currently creating a body of works to exhibit in 2024.
Exhibition History:
  • 2023 - Te Orokohanga o Te Ao, Solo Exhibition, Pierside Gallery
  • 2023 - Matariki, Green and Gold Gallery, Geraldine
  • 2023 - Banks Peninsula Auction, Lyttelton
  • 2023 - Public Install Te Pae Convention Centre
  • 2018-2022 Pride. Windsor Gallery, Christchurch
  • 2019 Everybody Eats.  XCHC, Christchurch 
  • 2019 Māori Toi. Linwood Gallery, Christchurch 
  • 2018 Hoisers Grown up. Hoiser Lane, Melbourne 

    Gallery Representation

    • Kura Gallery, Auckland
    • Te Papa Store, Wellington
    • Pierside Gallery, Christchurch
    Education:
    2021 - 2023 Bachelor of Arts, The University of Canterbury
    2016 - 2017 Diploma of Graphic Design, Yoobee College of Design

    Media:
    River is not personally taking on any commission work for 2023-2024, as she is currently developing works for her solo show in 2024. 

    Attention to detail

    River's diverse portfolio features large-scale murals, public installations such as light-boxes, and graphic design projects. Her dedication to toi Māori not only means River delivers exceptional work but furthermore, River is committed to putting her culture at the forefront of her practice.

    Hera public install - "teretere"

    Modern and Sleek Design

    River designed this staircase for HERA, which talks about our connection to the whenua.

    TE TIHI O KAHUKURA PUBLIC MURAL

    Created to Capture the Audience

    Created for the FIFA Women's World Cup, this mural was proudly displayed at Te Pae Convention Centre.

    Matariki lightboxes

    Bold and Modern

    River's Matariki project for 2024 involved designing six lightboxes for Christchurch City.

    Kahukura pounamu rebrand

    Graphic Design

    River has the ability to create marketing materials, including websites, logos, and rebranding designs, that truly reflect the client's vision and what they want their business to represent.

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