A mixed media exhibition of well-known and emerging Pacific artists has opened this week at the Artstation Gallery in Auckland as part of “Celebrate Pasifika”, a month-long programme bringing together a large line up of Pacific visual and performing arts, free family events, and workshops. “Language People” explores verbal and visual language through painting, video installation and cartooning. Renowned Pacific writer and Starmap Champion Albert Wendt is exhibiting his paintings alongside cartoonist Johnny Angel, creator of the first Samoan super hero. Emerging artists Linda Tanoai, Leilani Burgoyne, Nooroa Te Hira, Lily Laita, Siliga David Setoga, Vaimaila Urale and Nooroa Tapuni are also exhibiting their work. A special spoken word event hosted by poet, artist and community educator Mua Strickson-Pua will be held today, 10 March from 5.30 to 7pm at the Artstation Gallery, 1 Ponsonby Road, Newton, Auckland. The exhibition is curated by Janet Lilo and supported by the Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust. It runs until 18 March 2009.
Tattoo Session 3, video still image, 2008, by Vaimala Urale. Image courtesy of Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust.
