Meet the Curators

Introducing the co-curators of our current exhibition, Katharine Losi Atafu-Mayo and Giles Peterson!

The pair have transformed the Tautai Gallery to embody the Moana/Solwara worldview with their show SALTWATER/Interconnectivity

Video by NoSix

SALTWATER / Interconnectivity is on at Tautai Gallery until January 30, 2021
Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri, 11am – 4pm

For further information please email us 
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Performances

For Artweek 2020 Tautai will be showcasing three performances which highlight the essence of the current exhibition SALTWATER/Interconnectivity.

Featuring: Sistar S’pacific aka Rosanna Raymond, 4TK (4 Tha Kulture) and LALO

An innovator of the contemporary Pasifika art scene, a long-standing member of the art collective Pacific Sisters, and founding member of the SaVAge K’lub. Raymond’s practice works with people, spaces and things to acti.VA.te a dynamic relationship between them, to realise and reshape the ta-va duality.

South Auckland based indigenous environmentalist group of youth who are committed to advocating against climate change through the lens that considers minorities.
We rise for and ride out 4 Tha Kulture

Humiliation in return for Forgiveness.
Accept it or not.
LALO (below) takes you through the Samoan custom ‘Ifoga’. A formal apology where one seeks forgiveness from another by bowing down and humbling themselves. The offender appears covered in an ‘ie toga’ (fine mat). The only way forgiveness is granted is if the victim lifts the ‘ie toga from the offender.

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu

First Nations digital artist and filmmaker Gutiŋarra was born deaf, his art represents a powerful and positive message of living with disability.

Gutiŋarra‘s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu (b. 1997, lives and works in Yirrkala, NT, Australia) is an Indigenous artist of the Gumatj clan, Yirritja moiety, and Buymarr homeland, working with film and digital media to capture the stories of his kin. Despite being deaf since birth he has managed to overcome many barriers. From 2015 he
has worked at The Mulka Project in Yirrkala, as a Project Officer and filmmaker, often travelling out to Yolŋu homelands where he regularly films cultural ceremonies and events.

Gutiŋarra was awarded the 2019 Telstra NATSIAA Multimedia Award for his 6k filmwork Gurruṯu mi’ mala (My Connections) which demonstrates his connections to his people and his country through the Yolŋu kinship-system of gurruṯu. In this
artwork he reveals his position in the world of gurruṯu through his first language, barrkuŋu waŋa (language from a distance) Yolŋu sign language. Gurruṯu’mi mala was also exhibited at AGSA as part of Tarnanthi 2019 and has received great interest due to the fascinating concept underlying this art piece and his history as a film maker and artist. 2019 was an exceptional year for Gutiŋarra as he was also a finalist for the NT Young Australian of the Year Awards.

“Gurruṯu’mi Mala demonstrates my connections to my family, my people and my country through the Yolŋu kinship system of gurruṯu. Gurruṯu not only links me to my clan and my homeland, but to all clans and their homelands. Gurruṯu dictates my connections and relationships to all Yolŋu… past, present and future.”

– Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu

Gutiŋarra Online:
Instagram: The Mulka Project

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Te Ara Minhinnick

Multi-disciplinary artist Te Ara draws from her Ipu Karea in her practice, making art using the natural materials from the waterways that surround her home in Waiuku.

Te Ara’s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

Mehemea ka pātai mai koe ki ahau;

“He aha Te Awa o Waikato ki a koe?”

Māku e kī atu, he rite tonu ki te toto o ōku tūpuna.

The work of Te Ara Minhinnick centres around the alliances of people, space, and  place, stemming from her Ipu Karea – the ancestral homelands of her Iwi, Ngāti Te Ata. Te Ara emphasises a responsibility in this by employing methods of practice  that offer ‘wayfinding’ vessels into the contemporary realities of Mātauranga Māori.  

Te Ara grew up often scolded by her aunties for playing bull rush out the front of  her Marāe in Waiuku. She is a Kohanga and Kura Kaupapa Māori pēpi. Who is now,  currently undertaking a Masters of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College. Most recently,  Te Ara facilitated a series of wānanga for her first solo show titled TAU (to find grounding) at Audio Foundation. 

Te Ara Online:
Website: tearaminhinnick.com | Instagram: te__ara

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Shawnee Tekii

Interactive, bold and political are just a few of many words one can use to describe Shawnee’s graphic design practice.

Shawnee’s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

Shawnee Tekii uses art as a tool to create social engagement. Often tackling the political issues that surround the community. The digital age plays a large role in underpinning her practice. Shawnee’s work is often influenced by mainstream media and through the use of bold aesthetics and Instagram worthy graphics, she aims to communicate her political agenda directly to audiences of her generation. Her work encourages the use of mobile phones to either document or activate deeper conceptual content. She often draws inspiration from graphic design in advertising and branding – resulting in bold, attention seeking works.

Shawnee Online:
Website: shawneetekii.com | Instagram: shawneetekii

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Peter Elavera

Social activism and political injustice are central themes in this PNG artist’s mural works.

Peter’s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

Peter Elavera’s style of work is a fusion of pop art, street graffiti art, elements and principles of graphic design, symbolism, patterns and fine arts.

He is currently a leader in modern contemporary urban street art in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). His artwork incorporates social activism statements on issues of injustice, inequality and conservation of the natural environment. His interest in harnessing the potency of street art, and enhancing its application started in 2007.

Recently, Peter and his crew, known as the Kamilion Art Krew (KAKS), completed a massive sports stadium wall mural, measuring 769m in circumference in Port Moresby. The sports stadium, known locally as Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, took them 12-months to complete (October of 2018 – October 2019).

Currently Peter and his crew are working on an 800m long sea-wall mural project, in Port Moresby, under the theme, Radioactive Ocean. It brings awareness to conservation of ocean and marine life.

Peter received his art and design mentoring at the Creative Arts Faculty of the University of Papua New Guinea, and graduated in 1996, majoring in Graphic Design.

Peter Online:
Facebook: Peter Elavera | Instagram: freewestpapua

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Katharine Losi Atafu-Mayo

Samoan artist Katharine Losi is drawn to practices centred around healing and ritual, promoting the use of indigenous and creative methodologies.

Katharine Losi’s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

feso’ota’i atu

po, po, po,
manava i totonu; 

may this space light the fire within you that has been extinguished, 
may your peace that’s been disrupted find harmony in all living things, 
may your tino, mafaufau, and agaga feel held, 

I invite you to just be in this space of interconnectedness; 
remember, navigate, reflect, meditate, thank,
manava i totonu; 
exchange your love, your rage, your energy, your joy, your distaste, your healing; 
share what you must with the Moana. 
They will be returned with what you pour into them. 

we are connected, we are profound, we are resilient, we are powerful, 
manava i totonu; 
po, po, po.

Katharine Losi is a devoted daughter, sister and godmother with a beautiful vessel that houses her resilient soul, powerful heart and unshakeable spirit…  that’s on PERIYAD! Her social art practice is an evolving ecosystem of Moana healing methodologies, spirituality, community engagement and is grounded in unconditional love. By confronting cultural norms, societal expectations and systematic oppressions; Katharine Losi uses her lived experiences to create an alternative way of operating and living in our everyday. CHE CHE CHEEHOO! 

Katharine Losi Online:
Facebook: Katharine Atafu-Mayo | Instagram: kattymayo

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Telly Tuita

A Tongan multi-disciplinary artist never afraid to experiment and develop his practice, beautifully combining tradition with the contemporary.

Telly’s work is in SALTWATER/Interconnectivity
at Tautai Gallery
15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

Telly Tuita was born in Tonga in 1980 and immigrated to Brisbane, Australia in 1989. In 2017, Telly immigrated to Lyall Bay, Wellington, NZ. Telly has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Western Sydney University, a Bachelor of Art Education from the University of New South Wales, and a Masters in Special Education through the University of Sydney. Telly has been and a High School art teacher, a Special education teacher and an Assistant Principal at Green Square School primary school and community centre (2015 – 2017).

After working in education Telly returned to art making, full time. Telly Tuita’s art practice encompasses painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, photo media and performance. He has exhibited in exhibitions in Australia and New Zealand, and has work in the collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

Telly’s installation titled I LEFT MY HEART IN TONGPOP showcases ten years of a body of work that carries the spirit of Oceania.

Telly Online
Instagram: @tellytuita

More Information:
SALTWATER/Interconnectivity, 15 October 2020 – 30 January 2021

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

SALTWATER / Interconnectivity

Tautai Gallery is transformed to embody the Moana / Solwara worldview

Co-curators Katharine Losi Atafu-Mayo and Giles Peterson have transformed the Tautai Gallery to embody the Moana/Solwara worldview with SALTWATER/Interconnectivity on until January 30, 2021.

Peterson references the late Teresia Teaiwa, ‘she summed it up so well – we sweat and cry salt water, so we know that the ocean is really in our blood – this is the key ingredient for the building blocks of life, it’s also the essence of who we are and captures the incredible journey of navigating the Moana / Solwara.’ Atafu-Mayo and Peterson understand fully the flow of life, the two first meeting as teacher and student. ‘I taught Kat but I find myself learning so much from her, it really has been quite incredible, she’s amazing,’ he says of their collaboration.

The six exhibiting artists are drawn from Aotearoa and across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa; – Peter Elavera, Katharine Losi Atafu-Mayo, Te Ara Minhinnick, Shawnee Tekii, Telly Tuita and Gutiŋarra Yunupiŋu. Their lived experiences magnified through the largeness of the exhibition.

‘We’re using a grand scale to highlight its focus from our incredible artists and that will be apparent to those visiting the show,’ says Peterson and Atafu-Mayo. The curators are excited that the show’s narratives around social justice, equity, gender and sexuality identity, climate change, language diaspora and ancestral knowledge are viewed uniquely through a Moana / Solwara worldview.

SALTWATER / Interconnectivity runs until January 30, 2021
Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri, 11am – 4pm

For further information please email us 
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Moana Legacy curator and artist Cora-Allan Wickliffe shares her love for Niuean hiapo and the works she created with her sister Kelly Lafaiki in memory of their beloved late grandfather Vakaafi Lafaiki. The revival of Niuean hiapo is a tradition that will be passed onto her children and the next generations to come.

“It’s energy giving to me! Hiapo is a practise that fills me with energy, and I’m happy when I make it because my son enjoys watching me make my work. If I can have my little one sitting on my lap while I beat (hiapo), it’s a pretty good day!”

– Cora-Allan Wickliffe

Moana Legacy is on at Tautai Gallery till 18 September

Click here for more Cora-Allan!

For more information please email us
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Tautai Gallery is a niu space with a rich legacy.

Over 30 years ago Tautai’s founding patron Fatu Feu’u and his peers gathered with a vision to create belonging and community for Pacific artists.

Fast forward to 2020 and Tautai Gallery is the fulfilment of this enduring ambition.

Contemporary Pacific art now has a dedicated platform right in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Truly a night to remember!

Video by No Six

For further information please email us
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Stay Creative, Stay Connected!

For further information please email us.
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe

Moana Legacy

Multi-disciplinary show that heralds Tautai’s new space

6^th July – 18^th September, 2020 
Tautai Gallery  Mon – Fri 11am – 4pm

Moana Legacy is Tautai’s first exhibition in its new gallery space, the show has been developed from an existing partnership with Blak Dot Gallery, Naarm (Melbourne) featuring moana artists working in both Aotearoa and Australia. Continuing the conversation in Tautai’s new expanded space in the heart of Auckland, this show offers up assorted approaches to the idea of legacy.

As artists of the moana, one often looks back to move forward, contemplating the connections to ancestors and finding a place within a narrative that is as deep as the ocean itself. Our ancestors left behind stories of legend with impressive characters, some continue to shape our contemporary stories of today. 

A legacy is the story of someone’s life, it is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered. Legacies are pathways that guide people with their own decision-making – inspiring them to build a legacy of their own.

With this in mind, the artists in this exhibition investigate notions of legacy  and their link to the moana. Featuring photography, installation, video, sculpture, hiapo and painting, Moana Legacy is a celebration of our own legacies and what it means to be an artist of the Pacific

Curated by Cora-Allan Wickliffe, this show features Ahsin Ahsin, Cora-Allan Wickliffe & Kelly Lafaiki, Gina Ropiha, Israel Randell, Mereani Qalovakawasa, Naawie Tutugoro, Rangituhia Hollis and Talia Smith.

Moana Legacy runs from 6 July – 18 September, 2020.

Moana Legacy has now ended.

For further information please email us 
Tautai.org #tautai4lyfe