In his latest exhibition “Le Oneva: Misunderstood Aitu”, Pacific vanguard artist Andy Leleisi’uao gives renewed visual expression to the experience of being a New Zealand-born Samoan in the 21st Century. Well-known for the social and political flavour of his art, Andy challenges his audience to question conventional views about being Pacific in New Zealand. “We must always revere Samoa and respect its culture for the sense of pride and duty it allowed us to inherit”, he says. “But why should we allow ourselves as New Zealand-born Samoans, let others and especially ourselves be patronised or be stereotyped as ‘Pacific Islanders’? Our experience, lifestyle and goals are different. Our dreams are different. Our contribution to this great country is different. We are ‘New Zealand-born Samoans’ and should be recognised as such”. The exhibition runs from 31 March to 14 April 2009 at the Whitespace Gallery, 12 Crummer Road, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Fea'gafe Heads", 2009, Andy Leleisi'uao. Acrylic on canvas, 760 x 1150 mm. Image courtesy of Whitespace Gallery.
