Creative New Zealand delegation to attend 10th Festival of Pacific Arts

Creative New Zealand has selected a combination of accomplished and emerging artists from within the Maori and New Zealand based Pacific communities to attend the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in Pago Pago, American Samoa in July 2008.

The delegation of 120 artists (including Whangara-mai-Tawhiti, the 2007 winners of Te Matatini the national kapa haka competition) will represent customary and contemporary arts from Aotearoa alongside the other 26 participating Pacific nations.

The festival is recognised as the premier event for enhancing regional relations and preservation of the Pacific’s cultural heritage. Artists were invited to submit expressions of interest to participate in the delegation.

Chair of Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand, Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku says the delegation is a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their work, network with Pacific artists from different countries and represesent Aotearoa.

“For the Maori artists attending the Festival of Pacific Arts, this is an opportunity to represent the uniqueness of the indigenous culture of Aotearoa. It is a wonderful forum to engage with other peoples of the Pacific and represent our country with pride”.

Pele Walker, Chair of the Pacific Arts Committee of Creative New Zealand concurred, “The chance to participate in the Aotearoa delegation attending the festival comes around only once every four years, so it is a very special opportunity for artists. For the Pacific artists, both those who have immigrated to New Zealand and those born here, the festival presents a chance to reconnect with their Pacific origins while representing new perspectives that are informed by living in New Zealand.”

The artists attending the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts in Pago Pago, American Samoa 20 July-2 August 2008 are:

VISUAL ARTS
1. Cynthia Kapene (Te Arawa) Ohope, Bay of Plenty
2. Natalie Couch (Ngati Tuwharetoa) Auckland
3. Cerisse Fiahau Palalagi
( Niue, Tuapa Te Arawa, Ngaiterangi) Auckland
4. Fillipe Tohi (Tonga) Auckland
5. Graham Fletcher (Samoa) Auckland
6. Loretta Moauli Young (Samoa) Auckland
7. Stone Maka (Tonga) Christchurch

CARVING
8. Netane Wiki Singh-Lagah
(Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngati Uenuku Kopako) Rotorua
9. Whiu Waata ( Ngapuhi) Kaikohe
10. Te Warahi Hetaraka (Ngapuhi) Whangarei
11. James Rickard (Ngati Koate, Ngati Hinerupe) Rotorua
12. Johnny Penisula (Samoa) Invercargill
CERAMICS
13. Manos Nathan (Ngapuhi) Dargaville
14. Colleen Urlich (Ngapuhi) Dargaville
15. Carla Ruka (Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua) Auckland

TAONGA PUORO
16. James Webster (Ngati Mahuta) Whitianga
17. Horomona Horo (Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou, Taranaki) Rotorua
WEAVING
18. Henni Kerekere (Ngati Oneone) Huntly
19. Jessica Paraone (Ngapuhi) Rotorua
20. Troy Joshua Gardiner (Ngati Kahungunu) Hawkes Bay
21. Misa Emma Kesha (Samoa) Dunedin

THEATRE
22. Taki Rua - Paolo Rotondo (Italian New Zealander)
23. Taki Rua - Rob Mokaraka (Ngapuhi, Tuhoe)
24. Taki Rua - Maaka Pohatu (Ngai Tamanuhiri/ Ngati Apa, Ngati Porou, Ngati Tuwharetoa)
25. Dianna Fuemana (American Samoa, Niue) Auckland

MULTIMEDIA
26. Julie Kipa (Ngaiterangi, Ngai Tuwhiwhia) Ohope, Bay of Plenty
27. Janet Lilo (Samoa, Niue, Ngapuhi) Auckland
28. Tuafale Tanoai (Samoa) Auckland
29. Michel Tuffery (Samoan, Rarotonga, Tahitian)
FASHION
30. Suzanne Tamaki (Maniapoto, Hikairo, Tuhoe, Te Arawa) Otaki

STORYTELLING
31. Joanne Tito (Taranaki, Tuhourangi, Ngati Waihiao, Ngati Pikiao) Gisborne
32. Joe Harawira (Ngaiterangi, Ngati Awa, Ngati Maniapoto) Huntly
33. Robert Ruha (Ngati Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui) Auckland

MUSIC
34. Dam Native - Daniel Haimoana (Ngati Kahunungu) Auckland
35. Toni Huata (Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata) Wellington
36. Dr Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal
(Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tanatera, Ngapuhi) Wellington
37. Kura Te Ua (Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Te Whakatohea, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri)
38. Pacific Underground - Pos Mavaega (Samoan) Christchurch
39. Pacific Underground - Tanya Muagututi’a (Samoan) Christchurch
40. Pacific Underground - Andrew Sione (Samoan) Christchurch
41. King Kapisi - Bill Urale (Samoa) Auckland
42. Teaukura A Upu - Chuck Upu (Cook Islands) Auckland
43. Teremoana Rapley (Cook Islands) Auckland

FILM
44. Rawiri Paratene (Te Arawa, Ngapuhi) Auckland
45. Iosefa Enari (Samoa) Auckland

MOKO
46. Turumakina Duley (Ngati Awa, Tuhoe, Ngaiterangi) Auckland
47. Mark Kopua (Ngati Ira, Te Aitanga a Hauiti, Ngati Porou) Tologa Bay
48. Derek Lardelli - Ngati(Ngati Porou - Rongowhakaata, Ngati Kanohi (Ngai Te Riwai), Ngati Kaipoho (Ngai Te Aweawe).) Whangara

KAPA HAKA - Te Whangara Mai Tawhiti - 40 artists

Congratulations to All!

STRENGTHENING SENNIT

STRENGTHENING SENNIT
Curated by Leanne Clayton for Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust
June 13 - 20, 2008
Gallery Three

Artists:
Cerisse Palalagi, Juiliana Satchell, Paula Schaafhausen, Melemafile'o Uhamaka, Linda T. Tanoa'i, Metuanooroa Tapuni, Vaimaila Urale, Suia Westbrook, Fainga'a Taufa, Sevuloni Tora, Siliga Setoga, Mose Eteuati, Ane Tonga, Sera Elle, David Kaho

Guests Performances:

June 16, 1 - 2pm Rev Mua Strickson Pua
June 18, 12 - 1pm Poet Selina Tusitala Marsh
June 14, 1 - 2pm Panel Discussion with the Artists

Click on the pdf icon to view the exhibition poster:

An exhibition by Pacific heritage art students currently attending tertiary institutions in Auckland City. Special thanks to exhibition sponsor Creative Communities NZ, Christina Jeffrey(Manager for Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts trust), Metuanooroa Tapuni (Catalogue design), Leanne Clayton (Curator)

Indigenous Artists Network

This Network was set up by Artists Natalie Ball & Natalie Robertson. Its a great place to share photos of exhibitions, recent works, travel etc...

Visit Indigenous Artists

ASB Polyfest 2008

Kahurangi ki Maungawhau A.G.G.S
(My younger sister Ngaronoa is #5 in the line)

12-15th March

This annual event is the largest Maori & Pacific Islands' cultural festival in the world.
For $3, it was the best day out in ages. My dad, sister Waiora & son Rangiteaorere attended the festival to watch My younger sister Ngaronoa perform in the Kahurangi ki Maungawhau kapa haka group from Auckland Girls Grammar School. They totally nailed their performance today, we were really proud to see her sing & perform.
It was great seeing all the other stages too, Niue, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands & the Diversity stage.

Flat White Black Pearl

Title: 'Alofax3' Medium: Ink & Acrylic on paper By Cerisse Palalagi 2008

Nina Tonga viewing Artworks in the Flat White Black exhibition

Flat White, Black Pearl is being shown in Auckland as part of the month-long Celebrate Pasifika festival. Atypical of your usual expectation of Pacific culture in the visual arts, it will only feature works that are in black and white.

With almost 50 artists participating in the show, there are bound to be a few surprises about how the artists have chosen to express their ‘colour’ and cultural identity when confined to neutral tones.

Jim Vivieaere has curated the exhibition along with Leanne Clayton, herself an emerging artist and first-time curator.

While the curators concentrate on creating the physical and intellectual experience of the exhibition, the artists determine their own views on issues of race and identity as Pacific artists.

The exhibition invites people to take another look at the contrast of white and black, the personal expression of identity and wider issues of race and ethnicity.

Some Artists in the show include:
Cerisse Palalagi
Tuafale Tanoa'i /aka: Linda T
Ema Tavola
David Siliga Setoga
Metuanooroa Tapuni
Terry Klavenes
Niaval Ngaro

Lil'Mamas Art Klub at 'Come together'

This 'Tipare' styled braid was made by the Lil'Mama's Art Klub:
Maila Urale
Samantha Atasani
Ahi Rands
MeleMafile'o Uhamaka
Paula Schaafhausen

Cerisse Palalagi-New works contd.....

untitled3, ink on paper, 2008
untitled4, ink on paper, 2008

These works are part of an ongoing series of drawings towards My first year in the Masters of Art & Design program.
" These new works explore the notion of iconography in the context of contemporary Maori & Pacific Island Art in Aotearoa,through the mediums of printmaking & drawings with inks & paint."Cerisse Palalagi

Cerisse Palalagi-'New works'

untitled1, ink on paper, 2008
untitled2, ink on paper, 2008

Come together @ Artstation

Mumu te awha Couch

Te Puawaitanga Art Auction

Newton Central Primary school Art auction,

March 16th 2008

Cerisse Palalagi
Natalie Couch
Matene Sisnet
Hera Johns
Ani Oneil
Bethany Edmunds
Steven Ball
Filipe Tohi
Greg Riwai
Tracey Black
Shigeyuki Kihara
Robyn Kahukiwa
Dominique Baker
& more...

Print portfolio in NYC

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, I Will Not Be Silent, 2006
ImagOn print, 13 ½ by 9 ½ inches

Richard F. Brush Art Gallery
St. Lawrence University
Canton, New York

January 21 – February 28, 2008

"The Hello Kitty portfolio is framed and being installed in the Richard
F. Brush Art Gallery at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York" Melanie Yazzie


This exchange portfolio of prints uses Pocahontas and Hello Kitty as a ploy to engage the public to consider new ways of looking at Native women in history; the plot is to educate viewers and especially young women about this issue; and the point is to exhibit the prints at various reservations and in communities throughout the United States and abroad.

The project, organized by Melanie Yazzie, includes 38 artists and was also supported by the Southern Graphics Council and the University of Kansas, SGC sponsor in 2007. Kathryn Polk designed the portfolio’s colophon, which was the source for this text. Special thanks to Melissa Schulenberg, assistant professor of fine arts at St. Lawrence University.

Four New Zealand artists involved with the portfolio are: Cerisse Palalagi (Niue/ Te Arawa), Natalie Couch(Tuwharetoa), Lorraine King (Ngapuhi) & Natalie Hunt.

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, a Flathead Salish artist, writes about her print at left, “American Indian tribes have suffered genocide the same as the Iraqi and Afghani tribes today.”

Current-at the opening

My sister Tabz and I in front of work by Walala Tjapaltjarri

Rangiteaorere & I standing in front of a
beautiful installation by Leanne Clayton

My paintings from left to right:
Fumei, Kalaga & Mataloko; Acrylic on hardboard

Current-Whitespace Gallery

CURRENT

Andy Leleisi'uao
James Ormsby
John Ioane
Leanne Clayton
Cerisse Palalagi
Angelina Pwerle
Emily Kame Kngwarreye
Walala Tjapaltjarri

Originally coined by the French explorer Dumont d'Urville in 1831, Oceania has been traditionally divided into Micronesia, Melanesia, Polynesia, and Australasia, and today has a population of over 35 million. The migration of the Polynesians in particular is impressive considering that the islands settled by them are spread out over great distances-the Pacific Ocean covers nearly a half of the Earth's surface area.
Most contemporary cultures, by comparison, never voyaged beyond sight of land.

CURRENT showcases the work of contemporary artists, many are second generation New Zealanders and while their experiences of their parents Island homes are limited, their interpretation and understanding of their culture is strong. With the exception of Emily Kame Kngwarreye, who passed away in 1996.
All the artists represented live in Australia or New Zealand and present a fresh view of an evolving art practice, the art they make stands proudly in a contemporary forum and is no longer fulfilling the role of decoration or function as prescribed in the past.
CURRENT demonstrates the complex and diverse cultural and political beliefs that are represented in the vibrant and increasingly collectable art of Oceania. Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Walala Tjapaltjarri, Angelina Pwerle: COURTESY BETT GALLERY HOBART

10 Nov 2007 - 01 Dec 2007

OPEN: Tue-Fri 11-6pm, Sat 11-4pm

12 Crummer Rd, Ponsonby,
Auckland, New Zealand
Email dwhite@whitespace.co.nz
Phone +64 9 361 6331
Mobile 021 639 789.

Toi Whakataa Press

Toi Whakataa - to make artistic impression

Toi = Art; Whakataa = to make impression; Press = printmakers collective, independent of any organisation or institution.

Meaning:

The two white koru refer to the rollers of the press with the paper rolling out bleeding over the edge of the logo, this has been overlayed with a handle of a press thus combining the cultural aspect with the technical aspect of our roopu. The colours, slate greys and blues, reference to Taa moko.

Toi Whakataa Press was established in January of 2006, and emerged from a need to identify printmaking as a valid means of Maori artistic expression.
As a result, this Maori Printmakers Collective acts as a basic network for those involved.
Objectives
To support and encourage the maintanence of Maori printmaking through the sharing of knowledge, opportunities and experience.

To initiate and participate in projects that benefit Maori printmaking and our personal print practises.

To act as representatives of Maori Print whenever appropriate and endeavour to maintain, expand and nurture networks with other indigenous artists.

To be aware of our roles as Maori printmakers/ Maori artists and to continually challenge and discuss what that means in a variety of contexts.

Toi Whakataa Press at this point is a fledgling group as a collective that is made up of strong and established individual printmakers that currently include:

Alethea Nathan

Alexis Neal

Anna marie White

Cerisse Palalagi

Chelsea Gough

Faith McManus

Gabrielle Belz

Marty Vreedre

Mike Samuels
Margie Brown
Natalie Couch
Ruth Green Cole
Sam Farquhar
Simon Kaan

Vanessa Edwards

E moe i te wahine ringa raweke -Opening @ Kura Gallery

Sam Farquhar, Vanessa Edwards,

Natalie Couch, Cerisse Palalagi

Sams woodcuts

Vanessa & Arihia Latham Coates

Gaylene Peterson & Natalie Couch

Me

E moe i te wahine ringa raweke

"E moe i te wahine ringa raweke" – Marry the woman with busy hands

an all women Maori printmakers show

featuring new works by:

Natalie Couch

Vanessa Edwards

Sam Farquhar

Ruth Green Cole

Cerisse Palalagi

Exhibition Statement

byVanessa Edwards

"The title was adapted from an old Maori whakatauki that was said to young women when seeking a husband,

“E moe i te tane ringa raupa – marry the man with workers hands.
This exhibition is a visual comment on the many roles and complex lives that maori woman maintain in Te Ao Marama.
Maori women today need to be competent and confident in navigating between the pakeha world and the Maori world, the individual space (self) and the collective space (whanau).
Our art practise is often a private space for the individual to explore personal perspectives and expressions. However the works themselves continue to reference our connection to something bigger than ourselves.
These works illustrate a visual narrative that constantly redefines our roles, our stance and our place in the many contexts we as Maori women negotiate daily."

The exhibition runs from October 27th- November 23rd, 20007

19 Allen Street
Courtenay Quater
t +64 4 802 4934
e : info@kuragallery.co.nz
Gallery hours
Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Late night Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday 11am - 4pm

http://www.kuragallery.co.nz/

Whakawatea - New works on paper

Title: Tūāpā – to clear the way

Cerisse Palalagi

2007 screenprint

Edition 1/1

In celebratiion of Spring/ Summer I have started a series of prints based on the notion of 'Whakawatea'- to clear, free, make way.

I am layering the Fresh green oval shapes over the top of one another, creating a sense of depth, inviting the viewer to take a closer look, and reveal multi layered imagery.

Inspiration has come from Papatuanuku herself, New growth on trees, freshly cut grass and making way for new ideas, new ways of thinking, living, and looking.

I have always wanted to use Maori imagery in my prints, & this has presented me with the opportunity to express my love for Kowhaiwhai and Maori artefacts.

These prints are only part of a larger series I am building up for a 5 women printmakers show called, “E moe i te wahine ringa raweke” – Marry the woman with busy hands.

Artists involved in the show are Vanessa Edwards, Sam Farquhar, Ruth Green Cole, Natalie Couch and myself.

Exhibition dates , opening: Saturday 27th October, 4.30pm

The show will be at Kura Gallery,19 Allen Street
Wellington
Ph: 04 802 4934 Fax: 04 802 4935Email: info@kuragallery.co.nz

Afro comb digital experiments

The top image is actually an animated gif file, and the original is below.

I enjoy finding pictures that I appeal to me on the internet, adding to them or breaking them down to a degree where I feel they are finished.

Today I had a played around with an image of a old antique traditionally made hair comb from the Pacific Islands, and added text that relates to the comb which is 'Afro'.
I placed an effect on the image called 'old film', I just really love that Old school look it gives the image. I chose the old English font for the text because my younger teenage siblings use it alot when they get there clothing 'personalised'. I like the connections associated between the ancient comb, & the text.....a series perhaps?

I'll just keep playing and let these experimental works evolve.

Lavalavas stacked installation

I have been wanting to do something with Lavalava material for a long time & I like how Marie Watt used blankets. However, I want to try this idea using lavlava, except stacked up in a urban environment, eg: Southdown Trainstop.( I'll talk more about this later)

Blanket Stories, by artist Marie Watt

Marie Watt: Blanket Stories: Almanac September 30, 2006 – January 21, 2007 This exhibition features new and recent works by Portland, Oregon, artist Marie Watt. Using symbolic materials such as reclaimed blankets to communicate ideas about her First Nations’ heritage, the artist draws attention to simple everyday items in our lives that are infused with meaning, but are often taken for granted. Inspired by Native American blankets and their history, Watt’s wall-hung fiber works, sculptures and lithographs explore cultural identity by combining the ancient form of blanket making with the aesthetic of 20th century modern painting. Her fiber and bronze sculptures investigate cultural connections, from a personal as well as a universal perspective.

Marie Watt Blanket Stack Lewis and Clark, 2003 floor-to-ceiling folded and stacked blankets, with reclaimed red cedar bases Collection of the Artist