Tonga ‘i Onopooni: Tonga Contemporary

Overview

Tonga ‘i Onopooni, or Tonga Contemporary is an art exhibition made up of thirteen talented Tongan New Zealand artists. Their works range from sculpture to painting, photography, video and installation with the common theme of a focus on Tongan heritage in New Zealand.

The guest curator, Nina Tonga, has selected artists and their pieces based on their ability to investigate and demonstrate the reality behind Tongan communities living in New Zealand. Amongst her chosen thirteen is the contemporary artist Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi. He was born in Tonga and moved to New Zealand in 1978. Tohi aims to capture his Tongan heritage within his art by incorporating Pacficic and Maori iconography. His artwork even goes so far as lalava, the Pan-Pacific technology that was used in the construction of the likes of houses and canoes prior to the introduction of Western technology. His artwork often consists of recreated patterns and language within lalava, a branch of his work that he labels lalavaometry.

The works are culturally rich and delve deep into the Tongan mindset, making for an exhibition unlike your average gallery experience.