Lecture Notes: Pacific Art Projects and Cultural Practices
Acknowledgment
Recognize the Gathering on the unceded lands of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples.
Respect paid to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Introduction
Speaker Role: Curatorial Assistant for Pacific Art.
Focus Areas: Research in Micronesia, Hawaii, Fiji, and Tonga.
Objective: Share four emerging projects featured in an upcoming exhibition.
Project 1: Alaki and the Lea Mahanga Women’s Group
Location: Vava’u, Northern Island Group, Kingdom of Tonga.
Artist Background: Alaki, from the same region as the speaker.
Cultural Context: Historic responsibility for ecosystem management and harbor customs.
Art Form: Weaving using freshwater reeds near Ano Lake.
Cultural Significance: Weaving practices contribute to ecosystem health.
Project Outcome: Creation of a 15-meter-long "falaka" mat for a royal offering, incorporating traditional and synthetic materials due to environmental challenges.
Project 2: William Baku
Background: Began painting at 37, from Suva, Fiji.
Artistic Inspiration: Legends and stories of Nuku Village.
Early Work: Murals in Nuku, influenced by the Oceania Art Center and Red Wave Collective.
Technique: Oil painting with layered etching, inspired by traditional weaving patterns.
Current Work: New piece inspired by the proverb "Vei" exploring life experiences within the same community.
Project 3: Bernice Akamine (Hawaii)
Background: Native Hawaiian of mixed heritage, work impacted by cancer.
Artistic Approach: Use of copper in textile art, referencing historical fabrics.
Cultural Exploration: Interplay of introduced ideas and native Hawaiian sovereignty.
Current Work: Use of natural dyes and Kapa (barkcloth) methods.
Cultural Reference: Kumulipo chant – creation story with ecological and sovereign significance.
Project 4: Mele’s Featherwork (Hawaii)
Background: Third-generation Kumu Hulu (featherwork artist).
Cultural Importance: Feather work linked to divine connection and royal representation.
Traditional Methods: Ethical sourcing of feathers, using traditional techniques.
Installation: Combines Lei, Kahili, and ‘Ahu ‘ula forms.
Cultural Reference: Honoring the goddess Hina and the role of women in featherwork.
Discussion Points
Sustainability: Ethical sourcing and ecological impact of traditional practices.
Artistic Evolution: Modern interpretations of traditional crafts.
Cultural Preservation: Role of arts in maintaining and revitalizing indigenous knowledge and sovereignty.
Q&A Session
Feather Sourcing: Elaborate permissions and ethical considerations for feather use.
Cultural Practices: Traditional methods of making Kapa and featherwork.
Pronunciation Guide: Practice of artist names and key cultural terms.