Ka Mua, Ka Muri, Walking backwards into the future, Craft Victoria - 19.06.25 - 26.07.25

Maia Kreisler’s new body of work for her upcoming show at Craft Victoria draws deeply from the Māori concept of ka mua, ka muri — walking backwards into the future. This powerful philosophy acknowledges the past as a guiding force, where we move forward with our eyes fixed on what has come before us. The future is seen not as an unknown entity, but as something shaped by the steps and wisdom of our ancestors.

In this body of work, Maia Kreisler masterfully intertwines this concept with her craft, using her art as a conduit for exploring themes of memory, tradition, and the enduring influence of whakapapa (genealogy). Her works are infused with the richness of her cultural heritage, and each piece reflects a deep reverence for those who walked before her. The intricate kowhaiwhai patterns that flow across black silhouettes act as visual representations of this continuity — of the ancestral lines that shape not only Maia’s practice but our collective understanding of history and identity.

What is most compelling in Maia’s approach is how she creates a bridge between past and future, between tradition and contemporary expression. The black silhouettes in her work are timeless in form, evoking universal human experience while simultaneously linking to specific cultural references. They represent the continuity of being, where memory is passed on through generations, ever present and ever influential.

This exhibition is an invitation to reflect on how the steps of those who came before us continue to shape the world we move into. Maia’s new works offer a visual reminder that our futures are never separate from our pasts. As we look ahead, we must walk backwards into the future, guided by the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. This show at Craft Victoria is not just a display of contemporary craft; it is an invitation to engage with the past as it informs our shared future.

You are warmly invited to the opening night on 3rd of July 6-8pm (Thursday) at Craft Victoria.