The end of another year is being marked by an exhibition at the Fresh Gallery Otara which brings together the best work of Auckland based Pacific artists in their early careers. Among these artists are Steven Ball, Mark Dewes, Leah Espie, Antonio Filipo, Penitoa Finau, Sean Kerrigan, Terry Koloamatangi Klavenes, Ofa Mafi, Hili Mokalei, Samiu Napa’a, Cerisse Palalagi, Genevieve Pini, Raymond Sagapolutele and students from James Cook High School. Commenting on the exhibition, curator Ema Tavola explained that the exhibition is intended to speak to the communities of South Auckland and represents various artists’ visions of the social, political, physical and vernacular space that form the elements of a South Auckland identity. Fresh Gallery Otara is two and a half years old. It provides an important avenue for community audiences to access and engage with Pacific artists and their art. The exhibition runs from 28 November to 20 December 2008 at the Fresh Gallery Otara, 5/46 Fairmall, Otara Town Centre.
Mark Dewes, Climbing to Find II 2008, oil and acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the artist and Fresh Gallery Otara. Photo by Ema Tavola.
