"My
exhibition showcases Niue's identity through my phtotgraphy 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."
~ Iva Tanevesi
For my exhibition, I want to show what Niue’s identity looks like through different types of art. This includes photo portraits, painted canvases, Hiapo (bark cloth), fabric prints, and traditional Niuean textiles. I also asked my family to send me some handmade artifacts from Niue, things they created and wove themselves. By sharing both my own work and pieces from home, I feel connected and able to express even more of Niue's culture through my art and my family. This exhibition helps me explore how much I can share about who we are and who I am.
My first exhibition work includes portraits of 4 models, with 3 images each, making a total of 12 pictures. There are two sizes: the large A2 size shows close-up shots of the models, focusing on their outfits, skin color, and the artifacts they hold and wear. The smaller A3+ size shows full-body and upper-body shots, showcasing their identity through facial expressions, skin color, and artifacts.
The second part of my exhibition features 6 painted canvases in black, white, and gold. These colors are inspired by traditional Hiapo or Niuean patterns. I added gold to represent the important color of Niuean symbols like the flag and the Kahoa Hihi (sea shell necklaces).
The first 4 canvases show patterns that represent the models and highlight the beauty of Niue’s unique art. While other Polynesian cultures have their styles, Niue’s art is special, often using a flower with four petals and repeating patterns that look like a blooming plant.
The rest of the canvases are a simple repeated pattern of leaf stems, with the colors black and white. They are the most common patterns used in traditional Niue arts in Hiapo(tapa cloth)
The Te Auaha Gallery is on the ground floor with large windows facing Dixon Street. It hosts exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, as well as final-year students, graduates, and tutors. The gallery has 70 square meters of floor space, 21.4 meters of wall space, and 4 movable walls for extra displays. There are also 4 plinths, 22 adjustable lights, and insurance for all exhibited work. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm, with flexible weekend hours.
The combined portraits will be over 2 meters wide. After discussing with my tutors, one option is to place them near the windows. They believe the colorful portraits will catch people’s attention there. The space fits the size perfectly, with enough white space around it to keep the display open and not crowded.
The 6 canvases will be hung separately but closer to my portraits. There is a moveable big wall the school provides, 2000mm wide x 1800mm long and It is placed near the window as well. So at both ends of the moveable wall, with the 6 canvases, three will be placed on both ends.
Even though I can’t display all my work in the exhibition, exploring my art has helped me decide what fits best for the occasion. For now, I have a simple and beautiful selection. My family has seen my other pieces and encouraged me to have my very own exhibition someday.
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.
My Exhibition Proposal
Threads of Tradition: Niuean Culture Through Art and Craft