We launched our new site, Vunilagi Vou 2.0, on 10.10.2020 with a small cohort of supporters, opening our 10th exhibition, Fofola Koloa – Unfolding my Koloa – a collaborative show by Emily and Vea Mafile’o.
The final week before opening was an epic effort; utmost gratitude for the hard work and support of Jep Savali & Tanya Kaihe, Leilani Kake, the Carling family, Czarina Wilson, and especially Leiana Contractors.
Our opening formalities included karakia by Leilani Kake, an acknowledgment of family and whakapapa by Mereia Carling, with messages from both Helen and Kaliopate Tavola, and a beautiful waiata by Emma Parangi.
On Friday 30 October, we welcomed guests for our first Artist Talk in the new site discussing the exhibition, Fofola Koloa – Unfolding my Koloa with both Emily and Vea Mafile’o.
Whilst it was a night of manic traffic around South Auckland, this talanoa was perfectly paced for a balmy Friday night. The discussion touched on the strengths and challenges of art school and an era of Manukau School of Visual Arts (2002-2005) which exposed both the artists and facilitator, Ema Tavola, to the key foundational influences that shaped their career trajectories. An important outcome of this discussion was the ability to confront tensions and actions that had played significantly into the ways each artist had developed their practices.
Somehow, the setting of Vunilagi Vou 2.0 and the historical frames of reference running through the exhibition enabled this talanoa to hit the sweet spot of harmonious criticality (ProfessorĀ HÅ«fanga Dr. ‘OkusitinoĀ MÄhina); a deeply healing, and much needed conversation about making Pacific art, holding space for critique, and the art historical landscape of South Auckland.
Vunilagi Vou 2.0 is now open on an appointment-only basis. The current exhibition, Fofola Koloa – Unfolding my Kolola runs until 21 November 2020; to book an appointment for viewing and talanoa, click here.