It's fascinating how an everyday object like a Teapot can take on a whole new meaning when viewed from a Colonial/ Pacifika view. Historical events and society can't be changed but biases and mistrust doesn't have to ricochet through the decades like it does it's often accelerated by media, politics, gossip and just plain ignorance..
Sneak preview of another exhibition piece for next year's show.
It's fascinating how an everyday object like a Teapot can take on a whole new meaning when viewed from a Colonial/ Pacifika view. Historical events and society can't be changed but biases and mistrust doesn't have to ricochet through the decades like it does it's often accelerated by media, politics, gossip and just plain ignorance..
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Getting ready for next years Art Shows already!
Thinking of some more adventurous colours other than white for this piece as well colour changing LEDs. But of course can`t go past the classic white glaze! The shape is reminiscent of a snail shell and makes a perfect form for Le Aute pattern, 250 h x 190 w x 365mm long. The Samoan Airlines Launch was something special, not only does it reflect the aspirations of the people, culture it made a statement about sovereignty and the future.
The Prime Minister and Head of State were present along with many prominent guests as well as Chinese TV. A packed out venue and yet no one was turned away. Being part of the celebration is something that I will never forget, its enjoyable to photograph these occasions, not only the dignitaries but the audience and the people that help make these events successful but especially as Taiai Pisa was able to present the Le Grande Tanoa, and Le Paopao for the first time in public. It couldn`t have been better on such an auspicious occasion and at the Samoan Consulate in Auckland! to edit. The production process of Le Tanoa makes it straight forward do produce commission patterns. It takes a little longer but the results are worth the wait.
Incidentally Laumei (turtle) is one of Taiai`s fondest creatures from Samoa and was originally designed for the Egg lights and translates well onto other shapes. The Baradene Exhibition earlier this year proved that Pasifika is just not for Islanders, tourists or friends. It was front and centre in the heartland of Remuera in one of most Traditional Schools in Auckland.
It was the beginning of the collaboration with Taiai Pisa and Ronald Andreassend that have resulted in pieces that are significantly recognised and have a place in the Pacific World. The first piece is way beyond just being a Tanoa (Kava Bowl). Le Tanoa reaches values, culture, legends origins that most Westerners probably wouldn`t even realise existed and in a way that has never been achieved before. More importantly it demonstrated that Pasifika can be more than clichés, is an integral part of contemporary culture and not something that is just common place in South Auckland or the Islands or just can be related to by Islanders. The work is no longer a Story Teller and Object Maker collaborating, who interchange roles, its become something which Family, Village and the wider Pacific Community feel a part of, there is an obligation to respect the culture, values and aspirations of Pasifika along with it the very public critical evaluation of its success or failure both from a business, culture and a community basis. Every step is judged, the way things are done seem to far outweigh of what was done. Pacific communities are incredibly inter-connected. It’s a power house of resource that is just waiting to be unleashed. There amazing support and hunger for success, opportunities and change. People are known by who they are related to and which Village they belong it seems and in Ronald`s case its who he is connected to and what he does in the community. From the Artist`s point of view these challenges are what drives the creative excitement, opportunities but its also started something far more than what Art is usually seen as achieving in NZ, certainly not in the Western perception of what Art is. Failure to recognise is noted whether in arts, music, business and sports, it isn`t taken lightly even if it seems to be ignored but the disappointment exists. There is a division in our society and Creatives can be the bridge between this divide but we all have apart in this especially those who support the Artists. It maybe small but at least its a start. The anticipation this time for Kings College Gala on Friday was even higher than usual, unfortunately the three significant pieces and highest valued of the work were missing from the Opening Night.
All removed after setup by the professional curator and unknown by the organisers and then replaced by three smaller works intended for the store section. This has major impact on several levels. So reluctantly we removed the artwork early Saturday afternoon. . Apologies to anyone who went to visit. Another piece to be exhibited for the first time at Kings Art Sale is Le Paopao, the basic shape was started about a decade ago and sat forgotten until Taiai talked about a tragic event in her family`s history. The shape was remodelled for lights and the patterns to become something that was never imagined before. Its one of those ideas that was started in Ronald`s Ponsonby Art Studio and ended in another time, culture, in Taiai`s family store and remembering a beloved family Aunt.
Its one of the best examples of what collaborations can achieved, its something so much more than just an object, art or sculpture. It was late last year that the idea for a Tanoa came about, it was because of the love, devotion and duty of an eldest daughter towards her father who was given a few months to live. It came to be about 3 daughters and how they relate to their parents, traditional values and their place in a multi cultural society.
The first Tanoa wouldn`t fit in the kiln by 15mm!! didn`t know if it would even hold up in the kiln so made a smaller piece known as Le Tanoa. Remade a whole new shape and remoulded, pushed it to the max!! handling is precarious, broke 2 so far but it was worth every step. This is the piece that was originally conceived last year. The first public showing of Le Grande Tanoa is at Kings College Art Show Gala Night 3 November. Its a ticketed event but open and free entry during the weekend |
AuthorTaiai Pisa`s collaboration with designer Ronald Andreassend brings together perspectives, cultures and contemporary art techniques to produce objects which are exquisite, delicate and unique. Archives
August 2018
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