Telly Tuita: The Ta and Va of Tongpop

Overview

Telly Tuita, Sydney Festival's Visual Artist in Residence at The Thirsty Mile, is bringing his vibrant "Tongpop" aesthetic to this year's Festival precinct, celebrating his Pacific heritage and the energy of Sydney. Drawing on his Tongan roots and maritime history, Tuita's work features extravagant totems, dancing divas and immersive spaces transformed into trippy dreamscapes.

Born in Tonga, raised in Western Sydney and now based in Wellington, Tuita's art combines kaleidoscopic chaos with urban vibrance. His installations for Sydney Festival 2025 include SS John Oxley, a transformed historic steamship featuring Tuita's signature textiles and patterns; Moonshine Bar, where you can discover colourful totems and digital screens showing dancing Tēvolo (ghosts); Flags & Festival 'S', a large scale work throughout the festival precinct featuring Tongpop-inspired flags and a giant 'S' adorned with Tēvolo divas; and Colour Maze, a collaboration with Amigo & Amigo conjuring a playful, immersive art experience for all ages.

Images: Neil Bennett