Queen Fiapoto: switch, code, reverse

 

By Malae/Co. 

Summary

Queen Fiapoto: switch, code, reverse is an exercise of agency by 5 young Samoan women. The multidisciplinary project is presented by the sugaz of Malae/Co. Drawing from the safety of home, Malae/Co. redefine the act of code-switching and unpack the need to wear masks.

You are invited to board The Magic Queen Fiapoto Bus, Samoa's finest mode of transportation between spiritual planes and existing as we are - now.

Next Stop: switch, code, reverse

 
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Queen Fiapoto plays homage to the Queen Poto buses back home in Samoa. From us being frequent passengers of these bright pasi’s, and the stories we share with our mothers and their nostalgic memories of the iconic Queen Poto buses.

Queen Fiapoto alludes to the artists in Malae being rightful Fiapotos, in the sense that we can be seen as ‘playing God’ almost by creating these new realms of realities.

The magic Queen Fiapoto bus is the metaphoric va where not only Malae artists respond to the transitory nature of our realities, but also inviting and giving bus tickets to those who step into it to do that same. It is our malae, our space in motion.

Queen Fiapoto: switch, code reverse will be presented at Tautai Gallery from Saturday 11 March until Saturday 6 May, 2023.

Malae Collective are Elena Folau, Eseta Le’au, Lefaataualofa Totua, Lokelani Folau and Karita Siakisini.

Images by Ralph Brown.

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Meet the Artists

  • Lenz (Elena Folau)

    Lenz (Elena Folau)

    Elena Folau (Lenz) is a Samoan creative planted in South Auckland with roots treading back to the villages of Vailima and Alafua. A constant student of life, currently navigating her waves within the Moana through architecture and photography. Her heart work includes highlighting the intersections of her identity, in hopes to find a relational bridging between the onlooker and the heart work.

  • Seka (Eseta Le’au)

    Seka (Eseta Le’au)

    A daydreamer who loves to write. Eseta loves to make things happen with her pen. With varied interests and multiple roles, where things get overwhelming – needs to remember to Mānava.

  • Lofa (Lefaataualofa Totua)

    Lofa (Lefaataualofa Totua)

    Taualofa Totua (she/they) is a tauiwi writer, maker, Pacific Climate Warrior and big sis. Their written and artist practice is inspired by nostalgic storytelling and legacy. They are the Co-Founder of Filemu - currently a digital and print community, with future visions of nurturing communal dreaming, co-building and collective healing for friends and peers. Her Moana heritage has roots in the villages afega, Malie and Leulumoega, in Samoa, and Holonga, Toula and Houma in Tonga.

  • Loke (Lokelani Folau)

    Loke (Lokelani Folau)

    Lokelani Folau (she/her) is a creative. Hailing from the villages of Vailima and Vaimoso in Samoa, and Ngāti Awa, Matatā. Currently based in Māngere, South Auckland. She found her footing in Malae/Co through her profession of Make Up. She is the Co-Owner of The Lanis MUA and has been for the past 8 years. Having created many projects with family and friends during those years. It was inevitable that she would find the space and support that is Malae/Co. An artist wanting to create. Moved by love and passion. Often spending too much time wandering in the clouds. Through art she is able to ground herself and simply share messages, views, beauty and ugly truths. There is much for her to learn, but tis the journey of life. Just have fun.

  • Karita Siakisini

    KJ (Karita Siakisini)

    Karita Siakisini is an illustrator and jewellery maker that ascends from the oceans of Puipa’a and Tulaele in Samoa, and Fakaofo in Tokelau. Currently navigating the urban terrains of Manurewa, South Auckland. She co-founded Malae/Co. in 2017 in aims of creating a space where daughters of the Moana can create freely and keep a joy that will forever be theirs. Her work weaves pieces of places and people she’s love/d, in a time when age didn’t exist and each day was the same.