SEPTEMBER 2013 uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
lina marsh
looking forward, looking back
Polynesia, 2013 (Photo courtesy: Dudley L Meadows)
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hrough the wonders of technology - Skype - I met artist and curator Lina Marsh. From her home in Gisborne to mine in Auckland we chatted about her many projects and career aspirations and by the end I felt as though I received a personal insight into what drives and motivates the talented artist. Her formal art education began at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design. After gaining her Bachelors in painting, she then went on to complete a diploma in secondary teaching. Soon after Lina began working in the art department at Penrose High school teaching predominantly Pacific Island students. It was during this time that her love of sharing her Pacific heritage began to emerge. Of Maori and Niuean heritage, Lina began to use art as a way of telling stories, both personal and universal. These stories examine contemporary Pacific culture, specifically the loss of identity and the adaptation of new skins.
In 2005 after much deliberation, Lina and her growing family left Auckland and moved to sunny Gisborne. Moving to a place with no family, no friends and no source of income was not an easy feat. Lina states “Being away from everything you know forces you to re-examine your true path in life. If art was my chosen career, how would I continue to develop in isolation away from my support systems? Would I continue to make art?”
Through Giles she was introduced to Christina and Colin Jeffery and soon became part of the Tautai family. In 2007she re-entered the WAX exhibition with the work Taha, Tahi, One and won the sculpture category. This was to draw the attention of the local and national art community to her practice. From this point on her career really grew and she began to show her work locally, nationally and internationally frequently.
Discontinuing was not the case for Lina and in fact the complete opposite happened – her art practice thrived more than ever and she began to find her feet. The spare time and no distractions allowed for her full attention to be on her practice and developing new ideas.
These opportunities to create work allowed the chance for development and editing, a crucial part of any art maker’s process. At one point in her life she studied painting but as time passed a love for the ephemeral and crafts become apparent. These things she had learned from her mother and grandmother and it seemed a fitting move for the artist as the materials she began to use such as crochet and found objects each held their own special story and personal history much like her own work.
In 2006 Lina put some of her work in the local National Women’s Art Exhibition – otherwise known as WAX. Here she not only won an award but was also reunited with her Pacific Studies tutor from Whitecliffe, Giles Peterson.
Lynfield 267, 2010 (Photo courtesy: Leanne Clayton)
When asked how did moving to Gisborne shape the success of her art career, Lina commented “Being honest with myself and my craft, being disciplined, a little bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time”. Timing has played an important part in many ways for Lina, she has worked hard to get to the place that she is now. Finding her place in Gisborne has been a fruitful journey, leading Lina to work as an LEOTC educator at the Tairawhiti Museum. This role combines many facets that she enjoys – teaching and the community and especially its youth. A new baby saw Lina leave this position, only to return again as a relief teacher – she loves working at the museum! Here she continues to develop and teach art workshops and lessons to schools within the Gisborne area. It is a varied role and there is a new challenge every day. This is not her only position; Lina serves on two art-based boards in Gisborne, is the regional manager for the 48 Hour film competition, teaches crochet lessons, relief teaches at local high schools, and pops her hand up for other art opportunities when they arise. It is a great way to get out and meet the wider community and make connections but she also has a genuine interest and love for the arts. Her honesty is clear and the conviction that she speaks with is evident, her heart lies with the arts and the community that she is a part of. Through her work and relationships at the museum Lina was able to secure a date to curate and manage an exhibition – another part of her art practice. The multi disciplinary show titled To Be Pacific features twenty established pacific artists as well as work from senior students at Gisborne Boys High, Lytton High School, Gisborne Girls High School and Campion College. The works are all diverse in their messages, stories from the past and present feature and each artist explores their own idea of what it means to be Pacific.
Heavenly Creatures, 2011 (Photo courtesy: Lina Marsh)
“When we moved away from Auckland I missed seeing people like me, Pacific people. I missed a big part of my culture, my identity. Over the last five years the Pacific population in Gisborne has grown and exciting new things are happening”. A Tongan unit has started at a local school, there is a Cook Island group that meet regularly. Rather than let those groups exist without knowing one another Lina saw this show as an opportunity to bring everyone together. “This show is an opportunity to bring together Pacific people from around Aotearoa and abroad, and from our local community and celebrate and connect through the arts”. Lina certainly does not do things on a small scale, the opening evening will involve local members from the Tongan and Cook Island communities sharing their traditional dances and preparing and making food. It is a true celebration of Pacific culture and gives Gisborne - an area that has not seen an exhibition like this before - a chance to engage with the many facets of contemporary Pacific art. Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust has also come on board to support Lina and her initiative; a group of secondary school students from Gisborne will take part in the Fresh Horizons workshops. A three-day workshop sees students working with and learning from established Pacific artists to create art works that will be included in the main show. The artist tutors for these workshops will be Sheyne Tuffery, Leanne Clayton and Grace Taylor. It is a wonderful opportunity for youth to work with positive and engaging pacific people who are open to sharing their journey and helping them realise their own. It is clear that this impressive project will become something positive for the Gisborne community. It is so well thought out and multi layered that there is something there in the exhibition for everyone and anyone. It is accessible to all and I believe that to be a very important part for it to succeed.
“I like working with people, I like talking to people. I like brainstorming ideas and doing things on a large scale.” There is a moment where Lina shares stories with me about some of the students and their feedback regarding their participation in this exhibition, they are excited and thankful and cannot wait to start the workshops. It is sweet and honest and she is absolutely humbled by it all. She is a genuine person with a hard working attitude that has seen her succeed. Through her experience working and living in Gisborne Lina has steadily worked towards creating her ideal job – Program Coordinator at Tairawhiti Museum. It is perfect for her and her skill set; she has completed the groundwork, stayed true to herself and has passion and excitement for the role. As we near the end of our chat we talk about the people that have supported her by giving Lina the opportunity to pursue her dreams. She says “I have been able to follow my true path because I believe in myself. I believe in myself because people have believed in me. You must always remember the people who helped you and the opportunities you were presented with. Then pay it forward”. And there it is, the heart of all of her motivations – helping others to achieve their dreams as she has been able to do. After our conversation I felt motivated and ready to take on the world. It is the energy she exudes and you cannot help but feel that in yourself. From Auckland to Gisborne Lina has carved her own path and in the most admirable way, connecting with people, honouring her craft, helping those who had helped her before and those who will come after. Talia Smith
tautai news
Talofa lava
W
e were very excited recently to hear of the Creative New Zealand initiative to provide funding for three Pasifika and three Maori internships in arts management. This is an area of great need and Tautai is delighted to have been successful with our tender to deliver the three Pasifika internships next year. Applications are currently being sought from suitably qualified enthusiastic people who want to make a commitment to a career in arts management. Our initial discussions with arts organisations across the country showed there is great support for this initiative and we have high hopes of being able to place the interns with organisations which will fit the areas of their choice.
October. Ioana has also established a writers group who meet once a month with writer/ mentors at Artspace. Some time ago Tautai identified the lack of pacific art writers as an area needing development and so we are very pleased to provide support for this group.
The education internship partnership Artspace has with Tautai is proving to be every bit as successful as both organisations hoped. Ioana Gordon Smith, who is nearing the end of her time at Artspace, is the first of the three interns who will spend nine months at Artspace within the next two years. Ioana has been building connections with local schools and tertiary institutions and will curate the fifth annual Tautai Offstage experimental art event in
All of these activities would not be possible without the great support provided to Team Tautai by everyone involved in our various activities. Be they as tutors, mentors, curators, writers, event co-ordinators, host organisations, board members, attendees, as well as participants we are immensely grateful and thank everyone whole heartedly. Tautai also receives support from the wider arts community and we very much appreciate those
As you will see from the contents of the newsletter it has been another very busy three months. Extending the annual Tertiary Road Trip by a day was obviously a winner, Tautai Fresh Horizons in Wellington was a hit with hosts, students, and artists/tutors, and the annual Tertiary Exhibition again proved to be something different. This annual show of work from current tertiary students never fails to impress and has again received great plaudits.
opportunities provided and the expertise shared by mentors, advisors and friends in the industry. Staff and board and some other members of the Tautai community got together for an Operational Planning Review meeting on Saturday 14 September. As always it was great to have the time to spend exploring and exchanging ideas to ensure Tautai remains relevant and growing. The Annual General Meeting was also held in the afternoon with the necessary formal business of presenting reports and election of trustees etc completed. Elisabeth Alani was welcomed into the office at the end of July as the new arts administrator and Beau Louis Takapu is now tertiary liaison for Auckland. Beau who is a student at Whitecliffe takes over from Chris Ryan who has just become a father again and relinquished the role to spend more time with his growing family and his own studies. Be sure to make yourself known to any of the team if you see them out and about at openings, or call into the office to say hello as you will be more than welcome. ia manuia – Christina and Team Tautai
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fresh horizons wellington M
assey University College of Creative Art hosted the third Fresh Horizons workshop for 2013. Thirty one senior high school students from across the Wellington region participated in the workshops. The students came from Rongotai College, Wellington East Girls College, Aotea College, Naenae College, Tawa College, Chilton St James School, Wellington High and St Patrick’s College Silverstream. The artist tutors were Lindah Lepou (Fashion), Niki HastingsMcFall (Multi media) and Fiona Truelove (Theatre). Each tutor bought with them a diverse wealth of knowledge and experience in their art form which the students really appreciated
Shayleigh Te Kira, Vila Nua, Clement Bentley, Ana Te Koha Alida Logologo and tutor Fiona ‘Ona’ Truelove (Photo courtesy: Waiana Jones)
being a part of. Lindah was able to share her experiences in pacific couture and wearable art. Niki’s workshop featured an array of ‘creative up-cycled stuff’ for the students to play and create multi layered jewellery, ornaments sculptures and art forms. Fiona was able to tap into her group of students’ experiences. There were no lights, no costumes, no camera - just some chairs, drama and action. The final presentation ‘show and tell’ evening was a success. Families and friends of the students, staff members and recruitment staff from Massey and the artists were all present. There was a singing theatre performance from Fiona’s group. Niki’s students ‘exhibited
Team Fresh Horizons Wellington Students 2013 (Photo courtesy: Waiana Jones)
their works according to what they made thus learning how to present works at an exhibition level. Lindah’s group had a series of six fashion designed pieces including one male garment. Tautai Fresh Horizons received glowing feedback and Massey is keen to continue something on a yearly basis. Special thanks to on the ground event coordinators Tanea Heke and Nancy Brunning for all their hard work, for getting the students involved, and for building up a solid relationship with the families and with Massey. This was my first hands on experience at a Fresh Horizons and I am delighted to have been a part of it. Waiana Jones
Wairua Takarangi-Taniwha, Jeremiah Lua’ai, Samoa Momoemausu (Photo courtesy: Waiana Jones)
tertiary art road trip T
he Tautai Tertiary Road Trip 2013 was an experience of a life time. I don’t think any amount of words could sum up the adventure we had, but I’ll give it a go.
the artist?” In the next room we all had a laugh in the interactive exhibition where we were able to draw each other and play with silly masks, bringing out the inner child in us all.
We left Auckland at 6.30am, all eager to get to Wellington. It didn’t take long for the chatter and laughter to begin as we all became fast friends. The ten hour bus ride seemed to fly by and before we knew it we were lugging our bags up the stairs of the Wellywood Backpackers. From there we whipped together dinner and were out the door again heading towards Te Papa for the Andy Warhol exhibition.
Before we knew it we were off again to have lunch in Lower Hutt, then back to Cuba Street to explore the dealer galleries. After viewing the amazing work on show we headed back to base to get glammed up and ready to head for the City Gallery for the opening of Sheyne Tuffery’s exhibition “Ghost in the Machine.” Tuffery’s 3D works were amazing and a step forward in the development of digital art. We were also treated with a special performance piece from the one and only Siliga Setoga.
It was a surreal experience seeing in the flesh these images that you see so frequently reproduced. The layout felt as if we had fallen into some kind of 60s time warp. The exhibition as a whole was incredible. Once we had taken it all in we were then free to explore the rest of the museum. But we had hardly covered one floor by the time Te Papa closed. The next morning we were back for round two for a backstage pass of Te Papa. Grace Hutton generously allowed us an “up close and personal” view of the artefacts of our ancestors. This again was a surreal experience. It was amazing to see how such inanimate objects could hold so much life. By 10.30am we were off again, headed towards Upper Hutt to view Jo Torr’s exhibition “Islanders.” The exhibition consisted of a selection of garments and other works that explored the cultural exchange between early European and Polynesian settlers in New Zealand. The main question that seemed to arise out of the group was “What nationality is
That night we gathered together for a mini symposium on our experiences so far. It didn’t take long to get the ball rolling. So many issues were tackled in one sitting. Jo Torr’s exhibition raised particular issues involving culture and heritage and it was amazing to see people get so involved. This was one of the most amazing parts of the trip and it was such a privilege to be in the presence of such inspirational people.
The next instalment for us was a big surprise, and that was attending the play Tu, written and directed by Hone Kouka! Based on Patricia Grace’s award winning novel Tu was such a powerful, emotional story to be seen performed live. We were all so lucky to have seen it. Once the afternoon rolled around we were then free to do as we pleased. A few decided to explore the Wellington night life and the rest of us stayed back and chilled over a drink and a game of pool. By this time we had all become such good friends and didn’t want our Wellywood adventure to end. I am so grateful for the opportunity to partake on the Tautai Road Trip. I not only had the experience of a life time, but made lifelong friends. I’d like to give a special thank you to Tautai, and to Trish, Chris, and Siliga for being great hosts and also a special thank you to the fellow students for making it a trip I’ll never forget. Danielle Dooley
After a much needed sleep were back at the City Gallery for an artist talk with Sheyne Tuffery himself. It was so beneficial to converse with such an accomplished artist and it was interesting to hear the thoughts and meaning behind his most recent body of work. From there were back on the bus headed for Pataka. There we saw even more amazing exhibitions by artists such as Rob McLeod, John Pule and the exhibition that seemed to touch the heart of a lot us entitled “Refugee.”
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postcard from campbelltown towards the morning sun
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urated by Australian-based and New Zealand born Keren Ruki, Towards the Morning Sun exhibition opened at Campbelltown Arts Centre Sydney on 6 October. It featured works from Eric Bridgeman, Torika Bolatagici, Brett Graham, Niki Hastings-McFall, Maureen Lander, Rosanna Raymond, Latai Taumoepeau, Salote Tawale and Samuel Tupou.
(2013) that activated the spaces with a live ritualized performance. Niki’s work Flock (2009) and Lounge 2013, Polynisation series greeted visitors into the exhibition space, followed by Maureen Lander’s suspended woven and delicate works. Brett’s sculpture Mihaia (Messiah) (2010), a replica military six-wheel scout car, commanded both the space and the viewer.
All nine artists were there for opening night with huge support from the local Aboriginal and Pacific Island communities. It was a full house with island food, music and laughter – it felt like home.
The Australian-based Pacific Island artists have strong voices that sit comfortably alongside the NZ artists. The exhibition presents a broad survey of works from artists responding to globalization as well as having introspective and historical studies thrown in the mix.
Rosanna Raymond presented her work in collaboration with local fashion designers / performers under the collective Da Savage K’lub
It’s on until October 21st 2013. Angela Tiatia Latai’s live performance (Photo courtesy: Angela Tiatia)
a bit closer to home ‘Close to Home’ is the 6th Annual Tautai Tertiary exhibition, again held at St Paul Street Galleries 1 and 2. The curatorial team was made up of mother daughter duo, Melanie and Ahilapapa Rands.
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he young artists as always ranged across Auckland tertiary institutions, which included students seeking the new opportunity as well as some familiar faces. The fifteen artists featuring in Close to Home are: Diana Aiono and Danielle Dooley (Unitec), Luisa Tora (MIT), John Vea, Darcell Apelu, Claudia Jowitt, Cora-Allan Wickliffe and Pilimi Manu (AUT), and Lucy ‘Aukafolau, Chris Ryan, Cordelle Feau, Sione Faletau, Caleb Satele, Salome Tanuvasa and Paipai Fulutusi (Elam). Tautai Tertiary shows are known to have vibrant openings and this was no different. It was one of good people, good talent, and excitement. Siliga David Setoga started the formalities with a blessing. Those familiar with Tautai know this process well. However this year we saw a replacement of singing and clapping for a
Curators Melanie and Ahilapalapa Rands with the fifteen artists (Photo courtesy: Robert George)
whistle, kilikiti bat, and his wife Louisa on the drums. Once he had walked around both spaces we had speeches and artist introductions. The first scheduled performance by Darcell Apelu required the skilled performer to remain still the whole time. Dressed in black she lay on a bed of vermicelli from start to finish of opening night. Even remaining still despite the kicking of vermicelli by an intrigued visitor. Darcell often works with common pacific food items, treating them differently to their intended purpose. This performance set a quiet tone of temporality. The next performance by Sione Faletau was a show of strength. Sione’s work often deals with the male and female expectations within Tongan culture. His show of masculine strength was confused by the use of Ngatu as the weights which he was lifting. Tying in with his moving image work of a similar nature it was a beautiful and subtle confusion of gender roles.
Annual Tautai Tertiary show offered the final performance. She walked out dressed in purple with a box of tools. She began to cut a coconut with a machete, serving the water to the audience as per a kava ceremony. Regardless of the wine happy visitor mixing the water with his wine and not giving the shell back she continued. She then ground the flesh out of the shell to eat. This annual event is not only an exhibition but also provides students with a chance to better understand the exhibition process - from curators, publicity, to artist talks and criticism as well as providing curators with an opportunity to try something new. A simple gesture yet an incredibly important opportunity. An exciting opening night to commence the showing of our young talents. Full of interventions (not all of which were planned) I would have expected nothing less from Tautai. Another year, another show ,and a little bit closer to home. Lana Lopesi
Finally Cora-Allan Wickliffe making a big change from the work we saw her exhibit in the 5th
Guests at the opening of the exhibition
Cora-Allan Wickliffe’s performance
(Photo courtesy: Robert George)
(Photo courtesy: Robert George)
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sopolemalama filipe tohi n June contemporary artist and Tufuga Lalava Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi returned to the Fale Pasifika at the Centre for Pacific Studies as the University of Auckland Pacific Heritage Artist in Residence. Filipe was the fourth artist to join the Residence Programme which established the Fale Pasifika as a dedicated site to encourage the preservation of traditional knowledge through heritage forms. As part of his residency Filipe completed new lalava in the beams and rafters of the Fale Pasifika adding to his existing works completed in 2004 when the fale was first built. Each of his new lalava embodies a wealth of traditional knowledge and provides myriad connections to the past. For Filipe it is vital for students at the University of Auckland to have insights into the past; “The residency is important to me because this is the institution where people begin to question who they are and where
During his month long residency the Fale Pasifika was open to the public allowing a
unique opportunity to meet Filipe and to witness the art of lalava. Part of his residency also included an artist talk conducted in the Tongan language with senior Tongan language students from McAuley High School. Nina Tonga
(Photo courtesy: Robert George)
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they are going(…)I have to develop different techniques so young people can see that they have a relationship with this kind of art form, and can play a part in taking it into the future.”
Detail of Filipe’s lalava work at the fale
The University of Auckland Pacific Heritage Artist in Residence 2013
puehu: kicking up dust in nelson if he doesn’t like it then he should go home
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his was the response of a number of viewers to Kalisolaite ‘Uhila’s (Ite) performance Simavao: Concrete Jungle, which was enacted at The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatu on Saturday 24 August 2013. Starting at 9.30 am, Ite struck a slab of concrete with a professional masonry spade as an expression of frustration with the Pacific Island experience of migrating to New Zealand for a better life. He didn’t take any breaks and refused food and first aid from gallery staff though he did accept water that was offered by a member of the public. Through the day he was interrupted by a number of people who wanted to know more about his motivations and express support for his purpose. Suter staff, however, fielded a variety of objections and complaints; some took issue with the noise, others felt that the art work was “not-art” and “exploitative of somebody who was obviously unwell.” A number of European migrants felt that this art work was an unfair criticism that did not accord with their own experiences. Simavao was the opening event of Puehu: Cultural Dust, an exhibition of contemporary Polynesian video and performance art. The exhibition includes recent and new video work by Rangituhia Hollis, Jeremy Leatinu’u, Sarah Jane Parton, Shannon Te Ao and guest artist, Nicholas Galanin (Tlinguit, Alaska). New performance work by Ite and the D.A.N.C.E. Art Club & the Taylors (in association with the Nelson Arts Festival) contributes to the exhibition. These artists are part of the Puehu whanau, an informal collective linked through personal and professional relationships. They document their work on the Puehu blog (puehu.tumblr.com), which was established by Rangituhia Hollis in 2011. ‘Puehu’ is an abbreviated reference to the whakatauki, “tutu ana te puehu,” which describes an orator kicking
up dust on the marae and metaphorically refers to provocative debate. However, we were unprepared for the strong response by viewers to Ite’s art work and others in the exhibition. This extended to the well known video art work, Public Observations 2012, by Jeremy Leatinu’u. In this video, the artist sits down in a busy aisle-way at the Otara Market. He offers a fixed point from which to study the reaction of the crowd to unusual behaviour. I was very keen to include this art work because Nelson is another famous market town and I hoped that local viewers would make comparisons with their own community. This has been true yet the general consensus is that the Nelson crowd may not be so casual and accommodating of this kind of “obstruction.” Other viewers, however, have been fixated on the location of the artwork. Interestingly, the most common guess is Suva, Fiji. One visitor complained that The Suter Art Gallery should not be showing irrelevant international art work like this. When told that the location was Otara their response was “but there are no white people.” Sarah Jane Parton’s art work, Potato and Gravy 2012, is an art work that causes people to laugh and cry out in disgust. In this video, the artists makes a mound out of KFC and potato and gravy, then embraces and caresses the carcasses. Sarah Jane is a staunch vegetarian and these politics are at work in this video. But she is also acknowledging a family legend; the romantic love story between her Cook Islands grandmother and North American grandfather on the island of Penrhyn during World War II before moving to Lower Hutt and “eating KFC.” In this respect Sarah Jane’s work is a critique of the prosaic nature of life in the factory suburbs of Aotearoa New Zealand in the same vein as Simavao. The implications of KFC as a symbol
Sarah Jane Parton, Potato and Gravy 2012 (Photo courtesy: Anna-Marie White)
of culture is another topic of intense dicussion. However, the most profound statement that I have heard in front of this art work was “that girl playing with KFC is not art. But the way that everyone is ignoring that man (Jeremy) is art.” I was motivated to document these experiences after reading a blog by Ema Tavola where she described the population profile of Otara as a “back-to-front New Zealand reality.”1 In an attempt to rationalise the unanticipated and polarised response to Puehu I began to think of Nelson in similar terms; not as a New Zealand reality (as some may like to think) but a place that is back-to-front in its daily experiences with multiculturalism. Given the widespread support and recognition being paid to contemporary Polynesian art currently, our experiences with this exhibition is a timely reminder of the hard won achievements of our forebears, the terrain that is untouched by contemporary Polynesian art, and the importance for tangata whenua and tagata Pasifika to find strength in our common Polynesian ancestry. Anna-Marie White Te Atiawa. The Suter Art Gallery Curator ___________________________________ 1 Tavola, Ema (2013, 12 August). ‘Pacific Art for Pacific Audiences: Grassroots Curating in South Auckland.’ PIMPI KNOWS. Retrieved from http://pimpiknows.com/ pacificartsassociation2013/
Kalisolaite ‘Uhila, Simavao: Concrete Jungle (Photo courtesy: Anna-Marie White)
Patron: Fatu Feu’u Board of Trustees: Janet Lilo and Siliga David Setoga (co-chairs), Ron Brownson, Jeremy Leatinu’u, Chris Merrick, Stephen Roberts, Nina Tonga Treasurer/Secretary: Colin Jeffery
Team Tautai: Christina Jeffery (Manager), Elisabeth Alani (Arts Administrator), Rob George (Digital Media), Waiana Jones (Fresh Horizons), Beau Louis Takapu (Tertiary Liaison Auckland), Sonya Withers (Tertiary Liaison Wellington), Maria Waterhouse (MatouTatou)
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hit me with your best shot 27 July – 25 August 2013 The Physics Room Christchurch
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key component of Janet Lilo’s exhibition ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ was a moving image work featuring someone practicing the sport of slacklining, balancing and performing simple tricks on a nylon line tensioned between two anchor points. The slackliner’s unsteadiness
and precarious relationship to the ground beneath seemed a poignant metaphor for the people of Christchurch who are still in the process of rebuilding the city subsequent to the major earthquakes of 2011. Alongside the video, Lilo installed a large photographic montage with portraits of Christchurch residents and an actual slackline strung across the length of the
gallery, dividing the space and blocking access to the windows that overlook the desolate city surrounds. Through bringing together these simple elements, Lilo managed to produce a thoughtful reflection on what it might mean to live in a transitional time and place. Melanie Oliver – Director
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pop up gallery he Pop Up Gallery was an initiative organised and curated by artist Reina Sutton. Put together in two weeks it was quite an achievement considering the fact that it was Reina’s curatorial debut outside of Unitec. The exhibition showcased the works of five different artists: Kenneth Merrick had two large scale abstract paintings on canvas, Christina Pataialii had a series of intricate hand drawn pen on paper works, Reina Sutton made a series of clever found imagery collage pieces, Molana Sutton displayed some of her handmade jewellery pieces influenced by traditional Solomon Island crafts, and Tony Tia who had
a series of graphic prints. The Pop Up Gallery took place at Cargo Coffee, a small takeaway coffee place on Fort Street in the City. Cargo Coffee has a great little outdoor space that presented the works really well. It also had good foot traffic so the show had a lot of interest and admirers. The owner of Cargo Coffee was very helpful and accommodating which made the process that little bit easier. The opening night had a good turn out where we provided mulled wine and plenty of brownies and allowed for some intriguing conversations about the works between the artists and the public. Overall it was a great experience for all involved and gave the
artists a place to show off their work. It was a fantastic learning experience for the creation of future Pop Up Shows. Tony Tia (Photo courtesy: Robert George)
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gallery
Pacific Voices 2 Opening night at Orex Gallery (Photo courtesy: Dagmar Dyck)
Students sponsored by Tautai at the Pat Hanly Awards at Auckland Art Gallery. Front row left to right: Sosefina Andy James Cook High School, Courteney Leona Aorere College, Destiny Hirst Henderson High School, Laine Luamanu Papatoetoe High School, Chelsea Strickland Diocesan School for Girls. Back row left to right: Caleb Tofaeono St Peters College, Cullen Olsen Papakura High School, Aydriannah Tuialii Edgewater College, Arona Pama Dilworth School (Photo courtesy: Leigh Ogier)
Auckland Art Fair 2013. Invited artist: Niki Hastings McFall (Photo courtesy: Elisabeth Alani)
Fresh Gallery Otara curator Nicole Lim, Pirianga Toto – Blood Ties curator Leilani Kake, artist Amiria Puria-Taylor (Photo courtesy: Robert George)
PO Box 68 339, Newton, Auckland, 1145 Artstation, 1B Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland Phone: 09-376 1665 • Fax: 09-376 1825 Email: tautai@tautai.org • Website: www.tautai.org
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events and exhibitions october | november | december 2013 13 June – 6 October. Te Eitei. An installation by Louisa Humphry. Waikato Museum, Hamilton 8 July – 31 December. Artist in Residence, Shigeyuki Kihara, International Studio and Curatorial Program, New York, USA 25 July – 20 October. A Brave New Pacific Before and After Migration. George Ford, Lovessitina Solomona Fleck, Moeroa Maea, Mangarita Maibibi, Peni Seru, Trident Lepaio Rewita, Byron Seiuli, Dulcie Paina and Luisa Soloai. Gallery 12, Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, Hamilton 5 August – 5 January 2014. Salt 8, Shigeyuki Kihara Solo Exhibition. Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Utah, USA 17 August – 7 February. Place Makers – Artists & Iconic Landscape. Graham Fletcher, Hocken Gallery, Dunedin 5 September – 18 October. Close to Home. Diana Aiono, Danielle Dooley, Luisa Tora, John Vea, Darcell Apelu, Claudia Jowitt, Cora-Allan Wickliffe, Pilimi Manu, Lucy ‘Aukafolau, Chris Ryan, Cordelle Feau, Sione Faletau, Caleb Satele, Salome Tanuvasa, Paipai Fulutusi. St Paul Street Gallery, 40 St Paul Street, Auckland Central 7 September – 10 November. Janet Lilo: Hit Me With Your Best Shot (the remix). Curated by Ane Tonga, City Gallery, Wellington 19 – 26 September. My Place. Anita Jacobsen, Pingyao International Festival of Photography, Pingyao, China 19 September – 12 October. For Us, By Us. Francis Pesamino, Daniel Tautua at Fresh Gallery Otara, Auckland South 20 September – 24 November. To be Pacifc. Niki Hastings-McFall, Glenda Vilisoni, Leanne Clayton, Cee Palalagi, Aniva Fitisemanu, Fili Taylor, Christie Patumaka, Dagmar Dyck, Nanette, Lela’ulu, Sylvia Marsters, Merisa Bickerstaff, Siliga David Setoga, Chris Van Doren, Lina Marsh, Anita Jacobsen, Kahu Falaoa, Manu Caddie. Te Tairawhiti Museum of Art & Culture, Gisborne
21 – 29 September. Architecture + Women Exhibition. Includes Elisapeta Heta, Jordan Leota, Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 28 September – 23 October. The Choirs of Lupotea. Andy Leleisi’uao, Milford Galleries, Dunedin 5 – 31 October. Align. Chris Charteris and Emily Siddell, FHE Galleries, Auckland 9 – 13 October. A Fine Line: NZ Mental Health Week Exhibition. Keneti Faalolo, Old St Michael’s Church, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Auckland West 12 October. 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Fatu na Toto. Tupe Lualua, (Part of the Tempo Dance Festival), Q-Theatre, Auckland 12 October – 27 April 2014. Made in Oceania, Tapa – Art and social landscapes. Dagmar Dyck, Fatu Feu’u, Shigeyuki Kihara, Michel Tuffery, Angela Tiatia. Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum, Cologne, Germany 13 October – 10 November. Dust to Dust. Ane Tonga, Henderson Billboards at Henderson Train Station Platform, Auckland West 15 – 25 October. Niu Sila. Oscar Kightley and Dave Armstrong, Mangere Arts Centre Nga Tohu o Uenuku, Auckland South 16 October – 9 November. Fresh Out of School. Mita Kiripati, Bauhemia Meula, Tyrone Laulu, Tupulei Manuele, Lindsay Singcho Gaono, Pesa Tominiko. Fresh Gallery Otara, Auckland South 19 October. 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Pacific Dance Triple Bill. Charlene Tedrow, Olivia Taouma, Mario Faumui, ( Part of the Tempo Dance Festival), Q-Theatre, Auckland Central 23 October – 16 November. Wish Landscapes. Includes Graham Fletcher at Melanie Roger Gallery, Herne Bay, Auckland 25 October – 1 December. Absence Is All That Is Left Behind. Robert George, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Auckland 25 – 27 October. Canterbury Tales, Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA), includes Pacific Underground, Christchurch CBD and various sites
26 October – 27 January. Freedom Farmers: New Zealand artists growing new ideas. Includes Edith Amituanai, Auckland Art Gallery 30 October – 28 November. Public Good, Mega Malls Information Centre: Revisited. Elisapeta Heta, Anthony Cribb, Stuart Shepherd, RAMP Gallery, Hamilton 2 November. 7pm. Pollywood Eleven 2013 Premiere. Auckland Art Gallery, Clock Tower Entrance, Auckland. Entry - Adult 10.00 / Child 5.00, Door sales only, no eftpos. 8 – 10 November. King’s College Fine Art Sale. Fatu Feu’u, Ema Tavola, Molly Rangiwai-McHale, Jeremy Leatinu’u, Michel Tuffery, Sheyne Tuffery. King’s College, Otahuhu 8 – 23 November. Artists in Residence exhibition at Blow Festival. Shigeyuki Kihara and Taupou Tatau, College of Creative Arts, Wellington 9 – 15 November. Pacifica Living Arts Festival 2013: A Celebration of Pacific culture. Fatu Feu’u, Mary Ama, Pacific Mamas, Pacifica Arts Centre, Corban Estate Arts Centre, Auckland 14 November – 21 December. Ua gau le sila, tuki ki Manono - The Sail is Broken, Take it to Manono. Sam Afu, Mose Eteuati and Loa Toetu’u, Fresh Gallery Otara, Auckland South 23 November. 7pm. Pollywood Eleven 2013 Premiere. Opanuku Studio, Corban Estates Art Centre, Henderson. Entry - Adult 10.00 / Child 5.00, Door sales only, no eftpos 23 November – 2 March. Future Primitive. Graham Fletcher, Heide Museum of Modern Art, Victoria, Australia 28 November. 7pm. Pollywood Eleven 2013 Premiere. Mangere Arts Centre Nga Tohu o Uenuku, Auckland. Entry - Adult 10.00 / Child 5.00, Door sales only, no eftpos 29, 30 November, 1 December. Indigenous Ink Artistic Excellence in Maori Ta Moko and Pacific Tatau. Curator Terry Klavenes, Mangere Arts Centre Nga Tohu o Uenuku, Auckland South.
watch the Tautai Website and the Pacific Arts Diary emails for news of upcoming events and exhibitions
www.tautai.org Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust receives major public funding from Creative New Zealand and also receives significant funding from ASB Community Trust