The Okaioceanikart Gallery in Auckland is proudly exhibiting Fatu Feu’u’s latest woodcuts. The exhibition honours the memory of Feu’u’s dear friend and mentor, the late Professor Roger Green. The woodcuts are a series of three, influenced by Samoan Tapa traditions and Lapita pottery which date back 3000 years. “Lapita Green”, is inspired by the 3,500 year old piece of Lapita pottery known as the ‘long nosed God’, which was given to Professor Green more than 35 years ago in the Eastern Solomon Islands. “Lapita Mulifanua” is the village in Samoa where Lapita shards were discovered some 30 years ago. “Lapita Kone” is the area where the Lapita was discovered in Northern New Caledonia. Feu’u is a pioneer of Pacific art in New Zealand and frequently blends traditional elements such as siapo and tatau into his contemporary art. His work has been exhibited in galleries in New Zealand and around the world. (Image of “Lapita Kone” wood cut on paper, 750 x 530 mm, by Fatu Feu’u, 2010. Adapted from the Okaioceanikart website).
