Summary

The Water Tastes Different Here is an exhibition from international creatives In*ter*is*land Collective, presenting new work by Jessica Palalagi (Niue/Nukututaha in Te Moananui a Kiwa and Aberdeen, Scotland), Aj Fata (Ngāti Makirangi / Sāmoa), Jaq Brown (Ngāti Manuhiri, Fijian, Sāmoan, Hawaiian and Pākehā), Lady Shaka (Māori / Tahitian / Samoan / Tokelauan / Tongan / Cape Verdean), Lyall Hakaraia ((Māori, with ancestors from across the moana and Pākehā), Ariana Davis (Māori / Pākehā / Hunk Papa Sioux) and Momoe i manu ae ala atea'e Tasker (Samoan-Chinese/British).

In*ter*is*land Collective, a misfit collection of queer, moana artists and activists based in London, UK and in Aoteraoa New Zealand, present their first exhibition in Aotearoa at Tautai Gallery from Saturday 25 June.

A love letter to the group of self-proclaimed misfits, The Water Tastes Different Here is the first line taken from a poem written by Aj Fata that reflects the experience of moving from one world to another and paints a picture of London that has been so formative for each member in the Collective. The exhibition reflects on the group’s collective history, connecting back to Aotearoa through making and sharing new work, including print, photography, video and music.

Formed in London in 2018, In*ter*is*land Collective is a tagata Moana (Pacific, Oceanic people), queer-led arts/creative/activist group based in London and Aotearoa and the expanse of Moana in between. The group connects and collaborates with tagata Moana communities, prioritising their own world views, philosophies and knowledge with the belief that their art and cultural practices can dismantle systems of oppression and reimagine Moana futures.