Pasifika Art Wave to Hit Melbourne Shores

Niu Trans-Pacific Exhibition in Naarm Melbourne to be held at Blak Dot Gallery

On view from November 15 – December 1, 2019, the exhibition Tautai x Black Dot will showcase cutting edge works by nine Oceanic artists, four that currently practice in Aotearoa New Zealand and five Oceanic artists based in Australia. 

THE ARTISTS

Ahsin Ahsin (Cook Islands),
Cora-Allan Wickliffe ft. Kelly Lafaiki (Niue, Aotearoa) Alofi, Liku/Ngāpuhi, Tainui,
Gina Ropiha (Aotearoa/Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa),
Israel Randell (Aotearoa, Cook Islands),
Mereani Qalovakawasa (Fiji),
Naawie Tutugoro (Aotearoa, Kanaky),
Rangituhia Hollis (Aotearoa/Ngāti Porou),
Talia Smith (Samoa, Cook Islands).

This is the first time Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust in Auckland has collaborated with a gallery in Australia for a shared exhibition. Tautai x Blak Dot is co-curated by Rosanna Raymond and Kimba Thompson. 

The show offers unique contemporary Pacific art and includes hiapo (Niuean tapa cloth), billboard sized murals, digital painting, sculpture, photography and videography.

Blak Dot Gallery and Tautai are working together to achieve their shared aims of illuminating the innovative work of Oceanic artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia in the spirit of supporting Pacific arts practice and to reach new international audiences.

In addition to the collaborative show, Tautai will also present their First Fridays public programme at Blak Dot gallery on Friday 15 November from 6-8PM.

This innovative project welcomes indigenous creatives, aiga/family and friends to share time, space and knowledge together through creative presentations and performances by contemporary Oceanic artists, writers, thinkers, performers and creative entrepreneurs.

All featured artists and both curators are available for media interviews prior to and during the term of the exhibition.

ENDS

For more information or interviews please contact:
Jayne King at Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts
media@archive.tautai.org +64 021 2711169