Out of Ōtara
Bloodlines
2022
Mixed media on ply, framed
Genevieve Pini (b. 1981) is an Ōtara, South Auckland-based Sāmoan interdisciplinary artist from the villages of Manase and Faga in Savai’i.
Pini’s visual arts practice draws on training in photography, jewellery, print and textiles. Whilst studying at Manukau School of Visual Arts in Ōtara, Pini received her malu (customary Sāmoan female tattoo), an experience and visual vocabulary that has had an enduring impact on her life and work. Blood, bloodlines and genealogical connection have carried through much of her making, often employing the colour red and in some works, the actual material used to wipe blood and ink from her tattoos.
Interested in meditative processes, adornment and making as a mode of cultural transmission, Pini has exhibited in group exhibitions since 2004, often reflecting on the idea of protection, strength and the everyday ways that Sāmoa is present in people, ritual, time and space.
In 2023, Pini will present her first solo exhibition at Vunilagi Vou.
SOLO EXHIBITION
2023 – Vunilagi Vou, South Auckland
AWARDS
2012 – Recycled Revolution Category winner, Villa Maria Cult Couture
2007 – Flight of Fantasy Category winner and Manukau Designer Award winner, Villa Maria Cult Couture
2007 – Finalist, Martin Hughes Contemporary Pacific Art Award
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2022 – Whakakaha, HOEA! Gallery and Project Space, Gisborne
2021 – Picture Me Rollin’ – Portraiture in the Southside curated by Ema Tavola, Vunilagi Vou, South Auckland
2015 – That’s not Pacific Art curated by Ema Tavola, Williams Barber & Tattoo, Auckland
2008 – Samoa Contemporary curated by Helen Kedgley & Bob Maysmor, Pataka, Wellington
2008 – Meat & Lollies curated by Janet Lilo & Ema Tavola, Fresh Gallery Ōtara, South Auckland
2006 – Tasi Ae Afe; One but a Million curated by Ema Tavola, Fresh Gallery Ōtara, South Auckland
2004 – Niu Dialogue curated by Jim Vivieaere, Aotea Centre, Auckland
2004 – Five by Three curated by Ema Tavola, Artnet Gallery, South Auckland