Lalaga Pasifika connections
Since the Lalaga Pasifika event in May 2022, the Gallery has continued its conversations with artists and curators across Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa, recognising and celebrating Pacific arts in our community and connections beyond.
Koloa Artist Residency 2023
In December 2023 the Gallery welcomed visiting artists Ebonie Fifita and Kesaia Biuvanua, who joined local artists Amy Sao Tui - Huta and Suzan Kostanich in an exploration of methods of patternmaking and the aesthetics and function of Pacific barkcloth practices.
The visit created an opportunity for these artists to deepen their relationships to Taranaki and each other, and work together to enrich their individual practices and guide the collaborative completion of a large scale ngatu (Tonga barkcloth) that was gifted to local artists shortly after our Lalaga Pasifika event in 2022.
During this time, the artists exchanged skills and materials from their distinct practices and viewed and studied over 20 works from various Pacific nations being cared for in the Puke Ariki Collection. They also visited local gardens and historic sites to explore the creation of natural dyes and pigments that highlight distinct characteristics and histories of the Taranaki region and connections to the Pacific Region.
As a result of the residency, the artists will develop the large-scale work in response to the stories that were discovered during this time, but also as a gift to local iwi in keeping with the spirit of this practice.
Koloa Artist Residency 2024
Our Koloa resident artist Ebonie Fifita returns to Ngāmotu for a second residency period in April 2024, to progress and further develop work and connections with the Taranaki community towards the exhibition Lalaga: Fofola e Fala, opening at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in November 2024.
"Fofola e fala kae talanoa e kāinga is a Tongan metaphor that literally means, ‘Roll out the mats so the family can dialogue’
It highlights the importance of a carefully prepared space where every member of the kainga (family) feels a sense of belonging and safety to freely express themselves. It is a model for how members of a family or community can connect , engage meaningfully and relate to each other. This exhibition could be understood as a rolling out of mat of relationships and the learning and experiences that we have been able to generate through the Lalaga project. It is the offer of a space to honour and welcome more of our community to contribute to the conversations that have been generated."
- Exhibition curators Ruha Fifita and Theresa Tongi.