Papali'i Fatu Feu'u ONZM, one of the most influential figures in contemporary Pacific art, will reflect on a lifetime of creativity, cultural leadership and advocacy in a special public conversation at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum on Tuesday 16 June.
As part of the Museum's Ngā Kākano talanoa series, Art is my culture and culture is in my art, will see Feu'u join Leali'ifano Dr Albert L. Refiti to discuss his journey from the village of Poutasi in Samoa to becoming a leading figure in contemporary Pacific art and a mentor to generations of artists across Aotearoa.
Across a career spanning more than four decades, Feu'u has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Pacific art in Aotearoa. Through paintings, sculptures and prints that draw on Samoan cultural knowledge, identity and storytelling, he has helped bring Pacific perspectives to wider audiences while opening pathways for Pacific artists within the country's arts sector. His work is held in public and private collections throughout Aotearoa and internationally.
The discussion will reflect on the emergence of contemporary Pacific art in Aotearoa during the late 1980s, the barriers faced by early Pacific artists, and Feu'u's enduring belief that art and culture are inseparable. It will also explore his commitment to nurturing future generations of Pacific creatives and the lasting impact of Pacific arts on Aotearoa's cultural landscape.
Olivia Taouma, Pule La Vā at Auckland Museum, says Feu'u's contribution extends far beyond his own work:
‘Few artists have had the impact Papali’i Fatu Feu'u has had on the development of contemporary Pacific art in Aotearoa. As someone who also hails from Poutasi, the same Samoan village as Papali’i, I am reminded, especially during Samoan Language Week, of the profound symbolism of the poutu, the central post of a traditional Samoan fale.’
‘This year’s theme, “E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le nu'u;” “From the high mountains are the blessings of the village”, speaks to the source of our strength and wellbeing. In our oratory, the poutu is more than a structural element; it is a living metaphor for the unyielding strength, wisdom, and integrity that bind our community - blessings flowing from deep cultural foundations of family, leadership, faith, and our ancestors’
‘Like the poutu, Papali’i stands as a pillar of strong leadership, offering stability and vision. His unwavering commitment to art and culture is the foundation that holds our collective creative spirit together, just as the poutu anchors the fale through every storm,’ says Taouma.
The conversation will bring together two of Aotearoa's most respected voices in Samoan art and culture. Joining Feu'u will be Leali'ifano Dr Albert L. Refiti, Professor of Art and Design at Auckland University of Technology and a leading scholar of Pacific architecture, design and contemporary culture. Drawing on their longstanding friendship, shared cultural heritage and decades of contribution to Pacific arts, the discussion will offer audiences a unique opportunity to hear two influential Samoan thinkers reflect on creativity, identity, culture and the development of Pacific arts in Aotearoa.
The event forms part of Auckland Museum's Ngā Kākano talanoa series, which brings respected Māori and Pacific leaders, artists, scholars and cultural practitioners into conversation with the public.
Drawing its name from the whakataukī E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea ("I will never be lost, for the seed was sown in Rangiātea"), the series creates opportunities for audiences to engage directly with influential cultural voices whose knowledge and experiences continue to enrich communities across Aotearoa and Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa.
Art is my culture and culture is in my art
Tuesday 16 June, 6.30pm–7.30pm
Under the Dome, Level 3
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum
Free. Bookings essential.
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