‘the spACE betWEen us’
OPENING
Friday 15 November, 6.30 – 8.30 pm
Australia and Aotearoa NZ houses many nations impacting the original landowners, ‘the spACE betWEen us’ is not an unoccupied space it is the space that adheres us together.
Reflecting on the words of the artists we found distance and space at the heart of most explorations. Talia Smiths is ‘physical and emotional’ while Gina Ropiha addresses the ‘presence, transience and place as Pacific people.’ Blood Mothers reclaiming sovereignty to keep connected to the land, in this case as guests on someone else’s land. Māori artist Rangituhia reflects "Nō tawhiti māua". (we are both outsiders) an astute observation. As now all the artists are transnational bodies-some living, ‘others’ visiting Australia, with Blak Dot welcoming us all onto the unseeded lands of the Kulin Nation.The show offers unique contemporary Pacific art and includes hiapo (Niuean tapa cloth), billboard sized murals, digital painting, sculpture, photography and videography.
Ahsin Ahsin (Cook Islands),
Cora-Allan Wickliffe ft. Kelly Lafaiki (Niue, Aotearoa) Alofi, Liku/Ngāpuhi, Tainui,
Gina Ropiha (Aotearoa/Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Raukawa),
Israel Randell (Aotearoa, Cook Islands),
Mereani Qalovakawasa (Fiji),
Naawie Tutugoro (Kanaky),
Rangituhia Hollis (Aotearoa/Ngāti Porou),
Talia Smith (Samoa, Cook Islands).
Welcome to Country Aunty Diane Kerr (Wurundjeri Elder) followed by the Djirri Djirri Dancers, special guest performances by Grace Vanilau & Blood Mothers.
Blak Dot Gallery and Tautai are working together to achieve their shared aims of illuminating the innovative work of Oceanic artists from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia in the spirit of supporting Pacific arts practice and to reach new international audiences.
In addition to the collaborative show, Tautai will also present their First Fridays public program at Blak Dot gallery on Friday 15 November from 6.30 – 8.30PM.
This innovative project welcomes Indigenous creatives, aiga/family and friends to share time, space and knowledge together through creative presentations and performances by contemporary Oceanic artists, writers, thinkers, performers and creative entrepreneurs.
Artist Talk / Talanoa
16th November 1.30-2.30PM
Free
Panel Discussion / Talanoa
16th November 3.00-4.00PM
Free
About Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust
Located in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand – Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust is an organisation dedicated to championing New Zealand Pacific arts and artists. The name Tautai draws on the Samoan word for navigator, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to working alongside artists, providing guidance and transformative opportunities. Tautai was formed in the 1980s, when Samoan artist Fatu Feu’u and his peers came together with the shared aim of supporting the small group of then emerging artists and promoting Pacific visual artists.
Since then, Tautai has grown to become Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading Pacific arts trust with a multidisciplinary focus, Tautai brings artists and the wider Tautai aiga together through a range of events and activities, including local and international shows, workshops, residencies, professional development, mentoring and internships, and social gatherings. Tautai receives major public funding from Creative New Zealand, Foundation North and generous support from its growing Fetu Ta’i patron programme.
Tautai helps Pacific artists to grow and succeed in their contemporary art form, and also in their lives as artists, writers, thinkers, performers and creative entrepreneurs making radical contributions to the world around them. http://www.tautai.org