Fatuemaka Mei Falekafa

Tongan-born artist Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi emigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1978 and has been sculpting in wood, stone and steel since 1992. His work explores the patterns of lalava, Pacific Island traditional cord lashings – used for joining and binding materials together. Metres of coloured sennit were wound and tied so as to create distinct geometric patterns that were a well-established part of daily life.

Filipe’s work transforms the technology of the past into a modern representation of identity and experience. By using the patterns established by lalava, he expresses a Polynesian heritage with metaphors that speak to the entire community.

In this exhibition we look back at Filipe’s early work in Part 1 of a survey exhibition that concludes in 2013.

Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi

7 September – 22 October

Mangere Arts Centre, Auckland

Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi – survey exhibition. Mangere Arts Centre Nga Tohu o Uenuku, Auckland SouthSopolemalama Filipe Tohi: Fatuemaka Mei Falekafa Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi: Fatuemaka Mei Falekafa Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi