Art, tattoo and a private view, #PIMPIWinterSeries

The PIMPI Winter Series kicked off on Thursday 16 July with the opening of U Can’t Touch This, a group show featuring new work by Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu, Siliga David Setoga and Daisy Tavilione.

The exhibition’s private view was well attended by friends, family, art peers and locals. Drinks were served by the beautiful Lini, and four of the 11 works were sold on the night. Plans to do an interesting ‘not Pacific art’ tattoo performance with ARTSPACE Director, Misal Adnan Yildiz were hatched, and stories and memories shared of Mt Eden’s interesting art history and shifting demographics. The shop was filled with talanoa and laughter, Island reggae and the buzzing of the tattoo machine – a dream opening!

Courtesy of Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio [Facebook]

I’m super grateful for the opportunity to work with Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio. Thank you to barber, Willy, for letting us share your space. And thank you Raymond Sagapolutele and Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi for taking beautiful shots on opening night.

U Can’t Touch This is up until Saturday 1 August, all artwork sold is available for collection from Monday 3 August. The next exhibition in the series, That’s not Pacific Art features new and recent work by Fa’afeu Kapeneta, ‘Ana Lakusa, Qingze Nan and Genevieve Pini. It opens on Thursday 6 August from 6-8pm at Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio – all welcome!

Talafungani Finau: “This may sound hella bias, (#halacare) but my mother is known for her kalepi leis in the States”

Side view, "Hilifaki kahoa" (2015), Talafungani Finau

Back view, "Hilifaki kahoa" (2015), Talafungani Finau

Front view, Hilifaki kahoa, Talafungani Finau

Talafungani Finau is an Ōtāhuhu-based artist whose practice is informed and embedded in contemporary Tongan culture, custom and aesthetics. Her lei artistry pushes the boundaries of wearability, edibility and love! I asked her about inspiration and observations of new materials in Tongan koloa…

Your work Hilifaki kahoa in “U Can’t Touch This” for the PIMPI Winter Series is stunning, and smells and looks delicious! Where did you get the inspiration for this work and what materials have you used?

Aww malo Ema! The inspiration derives from my recent trip to Tongatapu thanks to my mehikitanga Sela E Finau… *coughs* high status aunty* lol, where we were able to attend the Coronation (fkmalo lahi atu Ma’ata Havea… oh wait? can we do shout outs on your blog? hehehe). If it wasn’t for these two ladies, I wouldn’t have been able to say, “I was inside the Centenary Church for the coronation ceremony of King VI, ya’ll!”. Which is a big deal because it was invitation only. Gangstaa riiight? haha!

The materials comprised of bias fabric tape (used as the bone structure of the lei because the chocolates are pretty heavy and without the bias tape the lei would just rip apart), gold ribbon to tie the Lindt Lindor (quality milk chocolate), and clear masking tape to hold the Ferrero Confetteria Raffaello (a crisp coconut w/ almond centre). Together it forms the silhouette of the red robe worn King Tupou VI.

You’re an experienced lei maker, how did you get into it and what is your favourite style of lei to make and gift?

Well I’m from Texas, and in the States when someone achieves a milestone, we go crazy. Graduations, sweet 16, 21st birthdays, church events, and White Sundays… we honour them all. I really got into it back when I was a student at Trinity High School (T’s UP!) where our Polynesian Club sold candy leis to raise money. And the competition is real out there ya’ll. Everyone brings out their LEI-game when it comes to graduation season too, so that’s where it started for me. My signature style of lei to make is actually the big personalised candy leis with the BEST goodies, and pretty shiny wrapper foils because I like that bling bling look lol.

I love that your work in the exhibition is perishable, and begs to be eaten! It changes the kind of presence and value of your workmanship, did you consider using non-perishable materials, or does that change the meaning and mana of the idea?

Yes, I did consider making a non-perishable lei… went out and bought the materials for it too… but for me it did change the mana. I understand leis to be perishable: floral or candy. So much hard work goes into a lei, and they can’t be preserved. So whats the point? Well… that’s what love looks like. It’s so beautiful when you give and receive one; the feelings and emotions that come with it, it’s not tangible, kind of like how a lei itself isn’t forever.

There are some interesting developments in the ways particularly Tongan artists utilise modern and readily available materials available here in New Zealand to create customary items such as lei / garlands, dance costumes and kato teu – I’m particularly taken by the innovative use of plastic grapes as the basis of the new genre of kalepi style. Are there any new styles or innovations that have captured your attention, or inspired you?

This may sound hella bias, (#halacare) but my mother is known for her kalepi leis in the States… I supply her grapes from here because she says they’re better quality than what they have available there in America. Her kalepi leis are extremely detailed it’s often mistaken as the real Tongan leis from Tonga. Much of my talent comes from her, but my hard work ethics is definitely my dad haha! But of all the kalepi leis I’ve seen here in NZ and overseas, hers are the best and I plan on learning that from her when I go back to Texas in November. She knows her Tongan flowers really well, how the shape or form of the Tongan kahoa looks… I’ll ask her to make you one! 😉

U Can’t Touch This
16 July – 1 August
Featuring Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu, Siliga David Setoga, Daisy Tavilione

Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio is located at 159 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland. Open Mondays from 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-7pm. Barber and tattoo appointments and enquiries: (09) 630 4380 / bigwillie.barber.tattoo.studio@gmail.com

Exhibition & Artwork Enquiries:

U Can’t Touch This – Works List, #PIMPIWinterSeries

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

WORKS LIST

Hilifaki kahoa (2015) SOLD
Mixed media
$50
Talafungani Finau

King George Tupou was here #1 SOLD, #2, #3 SOLD
All 2015, ink on cartridge paper, signed
$350 [Framed]

Fresh cuts (2015)
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Matt FineArt paper
$150 [Framed]
Sione Monu

Oki fa’akama Samoa moni lou ulu / Cut your hair like a true Samoan boy (2015)
Photograph 2014, photographer Setoga Setoga II
Edition of 5
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Matt FineArt paper
$3000 [Framed]

Shaving (2013)
Edition of 5
Inkjet print on Hahnemühle Matt FineArt paper
$1200 [Unframed]
Siliga David Setoga

Green Flava in Ya Ear SOLD
Pink Supa Dupa Fly
Orange Shook Onez
Yellow Rebirth of Slick

All 2015, ink on Fabriano Artistico 100% cotton, acid-free paper
$200 each [Framed]
Daisy Tavilione

U Can’t Touch This
Curated by Ema Tavola for Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio
16 July – 1 August 2015

Artwork enquiries
Ema Tavola (Curator) | Email pimpi@pimpiknows.com | Mobile 027 5779369 | Web www.PIMPIknows.com

#PIMPIWinterSeries Media Release, 9 July 2015

Media Release
9 July 2015

The head, the hair and the selfie

South Auckland curator, Ema Tavola, is bringing Pacific art to new audiences in a series of three site-specific pop-up exhibitions at a Mt Eden barber and tattoo shop.

The PIMPI Winter Series is a collaboration with Stan Lolohea, art historian, tattooist and owner of Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio. Three exhibitions will be shown over eight weeks featuring over 25 new works from 12 visual artists, and everything is for sale!

“We’ve joined forces to emphasise the entrepreneurial potential of Pacific art and creativity. There seem to be few opportunities for artists to show and sell experimental work, but it’s this exposure and the sales that can be generated, that can give a creative practice quite a bit of momentum,” Ema says.

The exhibitions have been developed to respond to the site and context of the barber shop, the common perceptions of what (and who) defines ‘Pacific art’, and the everyday negotiation of difference living in New Zealand’s largest and most ethnically diverse city.

The artworks will be installed in and around the busy barber shop floor, and the first exhibition of the series, U Can’t Touch This, is a special acknowledgment of the head, the hair and the selfie.

Alongside Mt Eden local, new media artist Siliga David Setoga, the show features the work of three first-time exhibitors; Talafungani Finau and Daisy Tavilione from South Auckland, and Sione Monu based in Canberra, Australia. In adornment, illustration, photography and print, each artist responds to the idea of the head, regarded in many Pacific cultures as the most sacred part of the body.

Ema believes in the quality of making art accessible and relevant, “this is artwork that doesn’t need an art gallery to define it; the work reflects everyday lives, values and shared experience. It’s current and beautiful, informed by Auckland and our place in the world.”

Meet the artists at the exhibition’s Private View events, book in for a haircut or tattoo, or just drop in for a visit. With only a four day turnaround, two more exhibitions will follow U Can’t Touch This and works lists, artist interviews, photos and commentary will be available at www.PIMPIknows.com

Exhibition details

U Can’t Touch This
Featuring: Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu, Siliga David Setoga, Daisy Tavilione
Private View: 6-8pm, Thursday 16 July
Exhibition dates: 16 July – 1 August

The next exhibitions in the PIMPI Winter Series are:

That’s not Pacific Art
Featuring: Faafeu Kapeneta, Ana Lakusa, Qingze Nan, Genevieve Pini
Private View: 6-8pm, Thursday 6 August
Exhibition dates: 6-22 August

Know what I mean, jellybean?
Featuring: Leilani Kake, Niutuiatua Lemalu, Waiora Palalagi, Pati Solomona Tyrell
Private View: 6-8pm, Thursday 27 August
Exhibition dates: 27 August – 12 September

Venue

Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio is located at 159 Mt Eden Road, Auckland.
Opening Hours: Monday, 9am – 6pm; Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 7pm

About Stan Lolohea

Stan Lolohea has been a practicing tattoo artist for more than 10 years working predominantly between Auckland and Melbourne. He opened Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio in 2014, a dedication to his late friend, Willie Halaifonua, an Auckland-based barber who suffered a fatal brain injury whilst playing rugby in 2013. Stan holds a Master of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Auckland.

About Ema Tavola

From 2006-2012, Ema Tavola held the role of Pacific Arts Coordinator for Manukau City Council (later Auckland Council), where she established and managed Fresh Gallery Otara producing over 60 exhibitions, three annual Pacific Arts Summits and co-editing two editions of SOUTH publication. In 2012, Ema was the first curator awarded the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Award for Contemporary Art, the same year she contributed to the curatorial vision for Home AKL, the first major survey show of Pacific artists at Auckland Art Gallery.

Under the umbrella of PIMPI (Pacific Island Management, Production and Ideas), Ema undertakes consultancy work in project and event management, research, writing and curatorial projects. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Arts Management from AUT University.

Exhibition enquiries

Ema Tavola (Curator)
Email pimpi@pimpiknows.com | Mobile 027 5779369 | Twitter @colourmefiji | Web http://www.PIMPIknows.com

The head, the hair and the selfie, #PIMPIWinterSeries

Fresh cuts, Sione Monu

In the first of three two-week exhibitions that make up the inaugural PIMPI Winter Series, U Can’t Touch This is a site-specific group show that acknowledges the head, the hair and the selfie. In many parts of Oceania, the head is the most sacred part of the body, and in the words of Stanley Kirk Burrell, U Can’t Touch This!

Situated in and around the barber shop floor, four Pacific artists have created new work about the head (literally), and the most important and sacred parts of life. Alongside Mt Eden local, Samoan new media artist Siliga David Setoga, this show features the work of three first-time exhibitors, Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu and Daisy Tavilione. Each artist responds to the exhibition’s themes and context with custom pieces ranging from adornment to illustration, photography and print.

Canberra-based Tongan visual artist Sione Monu has established a keen following for his photography, painting and illustration work on Instagram. Beyond the indulgence of selfie-representation, he explores the potential of digital self-portraiture using apps, props, environments and people in his life, offering gentle insights into Tongan experience in Australia’s capital city. Monu’s whimsical illustrations are part fashion, part colonial sketchbook, suggestive of the loaded spaces between self and other, what is seen and who is looking.

West Papua and the work of Auckland-based collective, Oceania Interrupted, has informed and inspired South Auckland-based Tongan maker Talafungani Finau. Her custom-made garland is an ode to the past and future of the embattled Melanesian territory currently occupied by Indonesia. Commonly used to celebrate achievement and meaningful moments, the work acknowledges the surge of awareness and support amongst the Pacific community for the plight of West Papua and the ongoing fight for independence.

Daisy Tavilione‘s playfully reworked family portraits capture the influence of African American popular culture, hair and style on urban Polynesian experience in Aotearoa. Her series of fluro hand-pulled screen prints is based on illustrations of her family’s abundant photographic portrait collection; studio-based, classically posed and controlled reminders of familial bonds and pictorial genealogy. In the adding and subtracting of features and patterns, Tavilione’s new portraits speak to a wider blended experience of Poly-global history and fiction.

In Siliga David Setoga‘s new work he addresses the cultural expectations and binaries of long versus short hair. His noted performance practice is reflected in two new photographic and print works that focus on the process and stages of having his own hair cut. With a background in the T-shirt trade, Setoga has a keen interest in accessing new audiences with his trademark visual style and pointed cultural commentary.

U Can’t Touch This is the first exhibition in the inaugural PIMPI Winter Series. Over eight weeks, three site specific exhibitions open back-to-back showcasing the work of 12 visual artists of Asian-Pacific heritage at Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio. The initiative is a collaboration between Ema Tavola (Curator) and Stan Lolohea (Owner-Operator) to celebrate new ways to consider Pacific art, ideas and experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a collaboration between two Pacific business entities, the PIMPI Winter Series also aims to enable Pacific artists to show and sell new work to support their professional development and audience exposure.

U Can’t Touch This
16 July – 1 August
Private View 6-8pm, Thursday 16 July
Featuring Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu, Siliga David Setoga, Daisy Tavilione

Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio is located at 159 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland.
Open Mondays from 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-7pm.
Appointments and enquiries: (09) 630 4380 / bigwillie.barber.tattoo.studio@gmail.com

Exhibition and Artwork Enquiries

#PIMPIWinterSeries: 3 shows, 8 weeks, 12 artists, all works for sale!

Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio, 159 Mt Eden Rd, Auckland City

I’ve been dreaming about establishing another gallery in South Auckland. I love curating, I love selling art and I love collaborating with artists to make good shows that contribute to broadening awareness and understanding of Pacific ways of seeing and being in Auckland, New Zealand.

Whilst I’m hopeful my one-day gallery is in the near future, in the meantime I’ve collaborated with Tongan tattoo artist, Stan Lolohea to develop the PIMPI Winter Series: a series of three pop-up exhibitions at his Mt Eden barber and tattoo studio. We’re working with 12 artists over eight weeks facilitating the presentation of around 25 individual pieces of work, most of which has never been exhibited before, and all work is for sale!

These artists excite me! From Canberra-based Sione Monu, the Brown-Instagram-famous selfie savant, Faafeu Kapeneta, photographing the small but visible Tongan community in rural Marlborough, to visual arts students Qingze Nan, Daisy Tavilione and Pati Solomona Tyrell, each making experimental, bold work at MIT Faculty of Creative Arts in the heart of Otara, South Auckland.

Caution Road Werq (2015) by Pati Solomona Tyrell

I feel super privileged that for some of these artists, this is their first exhibition. Some are Pacific art regulars, whilst others have been fairly quiet on the exhibition scene. The PIMPI Winter Series has been a call to action, inspiring new work and a different context for engaging with Pacific art and ideas.

U Can’t Touch This (16 July – 1 August) features Talafungani Finau, Sione Monu, Siliga David Setoga and Daisy Tavilione. In the first of the series, this site specific exhibition acknowledges the head, the hair and the selfie. In Fiji, like many parts of Oceania, the head is the most sacred part of the body; in the words of Stanley Kirk Burrell, U Can’t Touch This. Situated in and around the barber shop floor, four Pacific artists have created new work about the head (literally), and the most important and sacred parts of life. In references to family portraiture and the celebratory lei (garland), there are acknowledgements of nature and culture, life and death, loved ones and idols.

That’s not Pacific Art (6 – 22 August) features Faafeu Kapeneta, ‘Ana Lakusa, Qingze Nan and Genevieve Pini. Inspired by conversations around definitions, problematic terminology, authorship and belonging, this exhibition confronts popular expectations of what Pacific art is / should be. Some work deviates from direct references to identity and community, people and places, others present perplexing juxtapositions of tradition, human and geographical landscapes.

Know what I mean, jellybean? (27 August – 12 September) features Leilani Kake, Niutuiatua Lemalu, Waiora Palalagi and Pati Solomona Tyrell. In reference to a line from the movie Blood In, Blood Out, this exhibition touches on the idea of cultural chameleonism, and the everyday negotiation of difference across and between cultural and social environments, vernacular and humour, ways of being and seeing.

Meet the artists at the PIMPI Winter Series Private Views, pick up a copy of Stan Lolohea’s essay and get in quick – artwork is priced to sell!

Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio is located at 159 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland. It’s open Mondays from 9am-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-7pm.

Appointments and enquiries: (09) 630 4380 / bigwillie.barber.tattoo.studio@gmail.com