Name:
Iva Tanevesi
Date: Thursday 4 October 2024
"My exhibition showcases Niue's identity through my photography portraits, canvases, Hiapo, fabric prints, and handmade artifacts from my family. It’s a way for me to connect with my culture and share who we are and who I am."
1 Durham Street, Wellington, New Zealand iva.tanevesi@gmail.com 0226964020
Nationality: Niue
Date of Birth: 27 May 2003
PROFILE:
As an artist, I focus on drawing, sketching, painting, and designing, as well as islander dancing. Growing up, art has always been my passion, and I feel blessed to showcase these God-given talents. Through my work, I offer a unique perspective on Niuean Heritage, highlighting the beauty and diversity of our artist for my outstanding performance in each area, with a strong emphasis on art. After high school I came to New Zealand in 2022, starting tertiary study at Whitireia Polytechnic.
Education
• 2021- Award-winning art students and DVC
• 2022 - current: Bachelor of Creativity, Whitireia
• 2022 - Level 4 Certificate in Creativity
Awards:
• 2017 - 2020: Award-winning art and DVC student
• 2023: 3rd place in GS1Barcode design awards
Exhibitions:
• 2022 – 2024: E/Merge
Competitions
• 2023: GS1Barcode Design
Key Projects:
• 2023: Stingray sculpture design ‘Ika of Maui’
• 2024: Diploma in arts and design, Story Telling, digital booklet World Building
CLEARLY WHAT THE EXHIBITION IS AND WILL CONTAIN
The purpose of my work is to showcase and highlight the skills and talents that are gifted to me in reflecting on my island's rich culture and heritage through modern mediums. I wanted to cooperate with or apply to the exhibition “Toi Poneke Art Center.” It offers a supportive space for artists to showcase diverse cultural expressions, making it the perfect platform to share my Niuean-inspired art with a wider audience.
The underlying theme of the exhibition is to celebrate and preserve Niuean identity and culture through both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions. It will showcase the beauty, diversity, and significance of Niue’s artist heritage, highlighting how these cultural elements remain relevant in a modern context. The exhibition will include painted canvases, Ie pili(Traditional Textile blanket ), block printing, Kahoa Hihi(Sea Shell necklace), and Katoua(Spear). All reflecting key aspects of Niuean life and storytelling. By blending traditional Niuean art forms with modern techniques, the exhibition will not only honor heritage but also explore how art continues to evolve as a cultural expression.
What motivates my creative practice is my love for my culture and my passion for creative arts. I draw inspiration from traditional patterns that symbolize the island and its people, and I aim to blend these cultural elements with contemporary techniques, this allows me to celebrate my heritage while sharing its beauty and uniqueness with others. Through my work, I honor the stories, and values of Niue, using art as a means to preserve and highlight the significance of our cultural identity in a modern world.
What motivates my creative practice is my love for my culture and my passion for creative arts. I draw inspiration from traditional patterns that symbolize the island and its people, and I aim to blend these cultural elements with contemporary techniques, this allows me to celebrate my heritage while sharing its beauty and uniqueness with others. Through my work, I honor the stories, and values of Niue, using art as a means to preserve and highlight the significance of our cultural identity in a modern world.
This work has contemporary relevance. It’s important right now because more people are interested in preserving and reviving Indigenous cultures and their art, including myself – I am very passionate about my culture! As the world becomes more global, it is vital to hold on to our cultural identity and heritage, especially for small communities like Niue, by showing traditional cultural pride and helping people appreciate Niueans’ unique traditions. My art connects people to their roots and sparks conversations about why it’s important to keep our culture alive in today’s fast-changing world.
1. Painted canvases
I take inspiration from traditional patterns that reflect the essence of Niue and its people and blend these cultural elements with modern techniques, this allows me to show my heritage while sharing its beauty and uniqueness with others.
Beginning with a deep passion for the arts, initially created works on canvases that I shared on social media. This exposure has captured the interest of the Niueans, with many requesting custom pieces for their homes.
It’s a traditional Niuean decorating textiles, which are special cloths used in important ceremonies. These textiles are made to decorate spaces for events like welcoming a new baby, haircuts, ear piercings, birthdays, weddings, and funerals.
The design is featured in two different materials: the outer part in solid colors and the center with smaller pieces showcasing intricate island patterns. It’s similar to framing a picture, where the center holds the main focus, decorated with meaningful Niuean designs.
This is a fabric printing method where patterns are made using stencils under the fabric. Paint is rolled over the fabric, revealing the design. It’s often used to decorate Paleu(Sarong) and other textiles.
The kahoa hihi is a traditional Niuean necklace made from yellow snail shells. It was originally used for decoration and in dance costumes. Today, it holds cultural and political significance, often given as a gift by Niuean leaders. It represents Niuean identity, especially for Niueans living abroad, and is worn to show pride in their heritage.
Portraits are great for showing Niuean people’s stories and identity. They are eye-catching and can create strong emotional connections. Since I’m still learning about design, starting with portraits is easier for me. Using portraits also highlights the models and their importance in Niuean culture, making the project more genuine and meaningful. And also some feedback from my tutor.
This is a katoua, a long club or cleaving club from Niue. Historically, katoua were used by warriors for self-defense or warfare. They have been described by one observer as a piercing weapon. In the late 20th century, the katoua became a symbol of Niuean cultural identity. It was most commonly used in male dance performances, and produced by carvers for use as souvenirs, presentation items, or gifts.
Hiapo is a traditional form of decorated bark-cloth. The designs on my Hiapo represent the symbols, plants, and unique traits of my island, Niue. At the center are Niuean flowers, symbolizing me, with my father on the left and my mother on the right. The cross reflects our Christian faith and my love towards the Trinity.
I look up to three Niue artists who explore Similar Ideas:
1. John Pule: A Niuean artist known for combining traditional Niuean motifs with contemporary painting and writing, exploring themes of identity, culture, and history.
2. Iata Peautolu: An artist blending Maori and Niuean tattoo art, focusing on the preservation and celebration of Polynesian cultural heritage.
3. Marcus Hipa: A Niuean artist who merges traditional art forms with modern themes to address cultural and social issues, using materials like textiles and natural fibers similar to those in my work.
They are well-known for their unique styles and global exhibitions. I look up to them because they are Niuean and succeeded in holding exhibitions that reflect their deep connection to their heritage and inspire me in my artistic journey.
The purpose of my exhibition is to offer a unique perspective on Niuean culture, showing the beauty and diversity of our artistic traditions. It’s an opportunity to honor our identity, celebrate our heritage, and demonstrate the timeless value of Niue’s expressions in a modern context. Displaying my work will recognize my cultural identity and emphasize the value of skills and talents bestowed on us by God. It will be a meaningful representation of who we are and our unique cultural expressions.
This exhibition will allow me to expand my creativity and skills by pushing the boundaries of how I combine traditional and contemporary techniques. It is a platform for me to experiment with new mediums, engage with a wider audience, and further refine my artistic voice, all while deepening my connection to my cultural roots.
This process will help me evolve as an artist, learning to balance traditional practices with modern creative approaches.
