Koloa et al Celebrates Tongan Women’s Art

An exhibition of Tongan women’s art will be on show at the Fresh Gallery Otara from 20 February to 14 March 2009. Curated by Charmaine ‘Ilaiu and Nina Tonga, “Koloa et. al. Your Art is my Treasure” is a collection of textile art forms from the  Mo’ui aonga Tongan women’s collective from Otahuhu. Reflecting the dynamic process by which older women transmit their skills to the younger generation, the exhibition features new materials and techniques in the creation of ngatu (bark cloth), fala (woven mats), and monomono (quilt-making). In preparation for the exhibition, the curators have transformed the gallery space in the customary manner of Tongan teuteu, or preparatory adornment. A curators’ floor talk and koloa demonstration will be held on Saturday, 7 March at 12 noon. The exhibition is part of the 2009 Celebrate Pasifika Festival.

Tongan Koloa Art. Image Courtesy of Fresh Gallery Otara