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The intellectual POVERTY of a savage mind, 2015
In The intellectual POVERTY of a savage mind, a figure stands before a palisade or pā fence. The figure, dressed in black, challenges the viewer, confronting perceived stereotypes of Māori in a racially charged mockery. A leather facemask depersonalises the figure, alluding to the leather and masking of gang culture. The red bandana and axe further indicate this cultural reference, promising resistance or potential violence. From A Savage Mind, this series contains six works that were shown at Tia's solo exhibition in 2015.
While other works in the series have received more attention, artist Tia Ranginui advocated for the inclusion of this work along with The intellectual WEALTH of a savage mind in the national collection. Not only are they more subtle than the other works in the series, there is a play in themes where poverty and wealth exist on opposing ends of the continuum, generating a thought process in tandem. The series of "A savage mind" was considered pivotal to Tia, who said that they are supposed to be work that challenge the difficult histories and perceptions of Māori that had become embedded in her mind. Through articulating these works, she was able to bring herself to a space where she could process, grow, and allow other elements of her works to flourish.