I’m a big fan of mustard, so I almost died and went to heaven when I came across this Hawaiian pua styled mustard skirt…and then died again when I saw the top with its delicate raffle made with Samoan siapo (tapa).

This ensemble is designed by Samoan Brisbane based stylist and designer, Janice Brown. I’m excited to say that Janice will be Urban Viti’s first Talanoa/Interview for 2012!

Check out Salt & Light Threads online here or on Facebook here and do keep an eye out for Janice and I’s talanoa session later next week.

I loved this ensemble so much…that of cause I had to get both.

Skirt: Aysia-ley mustard skirt from Salt & Light Threads Originally $AU59, bought on sale for $AU20. Out of stock | Shoes: Marau from Dahia Shoes $FJD130 | Flax bag from New Zealand | Necklace: Can’t remember where I got it from 

Since it’s still summer here in Australia, I teamed up my mustard skirt with a plain black top with short lace sleeves, my lovely tapa shoes from Fiji, brown and black necklace that kind of reminds me of Fijian pottery and a flax bag…oh and not forgetting a red hibiscus in my hair.

My bestie Johanna bought the tapa shoes for me while we were in Fiji last month. The tapa shoes are made in Fiji by Dahia Shoes (#sidenote: I had put up my posters for Diasporadic679  in it’s sister shop, Ronnie’s Shoe Store in Otahuhu).  Read about their new Pacific range here and check out their Facebook page here for more styles.

March/April 2011 issue of Inside Out magazine. Image via Table Tonic

I love how the framed tapa complements the 60′s sideboard.

However, Inside Out’s choice of words leaves a bad taste in my mouth -  “…while framed tapa clothes add a tribal element…”.

Can we please lose the tribal label already.

Here’s another framed Fijian tapa, which goes well with the stricking tyn (juju hat) from Camaroon. Although I’d lose the wire basket.

Image via Table Tonic

I especially love this Tongan framed tapa. I love how it looks creased and incomplete…cut and torn…it tells a story.

Tongan tapa in white frame. Image via Design Sponge

It’s not hard to miss this huge tapa at the appropriately named Tapa Room at The Providores resturant in London. Note: if you’re in London, don’t rush out now to the Tapa Room…they sadly don’t have a Pacific menu.

Image via Chow and The City

They mistakenly call it a “Rarotongan Tapa”. It looks like Tongan tapa to me. Tapa making in the Cook Islands stopped in the early 1900s, however the last few years have seen a small scale revival.

How do you display your tapa?

This Papua New Guinean blogger from Sea, Sand and Shells framed these beautiful PNG tapas. She currently lives in Kazakhstan, so hanging them on her wall reminds her of home.

The tapa is from her husbands clan. In PNG, each clan/family have their own designs and motifs.

Image via Sea, Sand and Shells

A family friend gave me this Fijian tapa that’s framed on canvas frames. It currently leans against a wall my the sitting room.

I’ve been meaning to hang it above my bed but three years later I still haven’t hang it…and I’m moving soon. So hopefully I’ll get to hang it up in my new place.

Photo by Dulcie Stewart

Self-portraits in front of my framed tapa.

Speaking of displaying tapa, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMa) here in Brisbane recently blogged about the installation of the beautiful Tongan tapa, Ngatu tā’uli, which is part of the Threads: Contemporary Textiles and the Social Fabric exhibition. 

The Kulupu Falehanga ‘i Teleiloa – a  New Zealand Tonga art based group, made the 22 metre long Tongan ngatu tā’uli which was commisioned by GoMa. I posted photos by Sangeeta Singh, from the handing over ceremony in Auckland here.

Read GoMa’s blog post about the conservation treatment of the ngatu tā’uli here and installation here.

Kulupu Falehanga ‘i Teleiloa | New Zealand/Tonga; est. 2010 | Ngatu tā’uli 2011 | Barkcloth: hiapo (paper mulberry) with koka pigment and black synthetic polymer paint | Commissioned 2011. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery. Photo by Dulcie Stewart.

The Threads: Contemporary Textiles and the Social Fabric exhibition ends 5 February, 2012 and also includes works by artists from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and the Cook Islands.

I took photos last November at the exhibition and will post them here soon.

I’d love to hear how you display/keep your tapa. Please comment here or send me an email (with photos) to urbanviti@gmail.com

This Samoan tapa iPhone case looks like the real thing…although what’s up with the product name “Samoan tapa surfboard”…

Samoan Tapa Surfboard iPhone 4 Cases $AU54.85. Created by DriveIndustries

Loving this Fijian tapa case. I dream of tapa pin-wheels everyday.
Tapa Case: iPhone $AU49.95. Created by NoKaOiClothingCoDj

Woven mat iPad cover. Again looks so real.Lauhala Case: ipad $AU59.95. Created by NoKaOiClothingCoDj

And this Samoan influenced iPad cover.Samoan Tapa Surfboard iPad 1 Cases$AU54.85 Created by DriveIndustries

You can browse through Zazzle to find other Pacific influenced products, just enter words “Fiji”, “Samoa”, “island”, “tapa” etc in the search bar to find them. A lot are a bit hit and miss but these products above are a gem. Happy searching!

Click on the product names below the images (in pink) to view the iPhone and iPad cases on Zazzle.

A vision of queer culture from non-western perspectives. A mob of artists with cultural roots in Indigenous Australia, the Pacific, Africa and India offer their alternative visual experiences. Sexy, funny, dangerous, black and loud are just a few adjectives to describe some of the work on show.

Artists: • Jules Renton • Renuka Rajiv • Meera Sethi • Arlene Texta Queen • Kamahi Jordan King • Peter Waples-Crowe • Cecilia Kavara • Nicholas Boseley • Kimba Thompson • Salote Tawale • Susan Forrester • Jacob Tologata

Special Guest Performance by: Constantina Bush

THEY’RE A QUEER MOB

Opening Nigth Thursday 19 January – 6pm

Blak Dot Gallery

413 Lygon Street, East Brunswick, Melbourne, Australia

BLAK DOT GALLERY is a contemporary Indigenous run Arts Space that showcases artworks of world Indigenous cultures.

19 January – 5 February, 2012

Hours: Thursday to Sunday 12pm – 6pm

Special Event: POC the MIC
A performance night featuring people of colour, spoken word, music and more at Blak Dot Gallery.
When: Thursday 26 January, 2012. Doors open 7pm

Website: http://www.blakdot.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blakdotgallery

Source and image: Blak Dot Gallery Media Release

I spent much of December home in Fiji. 20 glorious days!

I went home for my best friends wedding and was privileged to be her maid of honour. Congratulations Johanna and Kolaia!

Here’s a few snap shots of my trip home.

Click on image to view full version
1. Flying into Nadi 2. J&K tie the knot! 3. Getting my mehndi done for the wedding 4. Us bridesmaids having a moment with the bride 5. Trips to the Suva market 6. Mana 7. Pinky making our miti (a coconut sauce) with love 8. Countless meals with family and friends 9. Almost daily walks along the Nasese seawall 10. My favourite spot in Suva – Nabukalou Creek and MH’s 11. Pinky and Sangi smelling that sweet sweet coconut oil 12. Cream Buns from Hot Bread Kitchen 13. Catchup with friends over cocktails 14. Coconut tree 15. A quick visit to the Fiji Muesum 16. Mangos 17. Feeling the beautiful Pacific Ocean in my feet 18. Farewells at the wharf but here’s to a new beginning…

A look back at 2011

2011 was a good year.  I had the opportunity to exhibit my work after such a long time.

First up was at Pacific Storms: Lusim Land at Logan Art Gallery in Queensland.

Standing in front of my digital prints.
Top: My Land My History by Telly Tuita. Digital prints 2011. Bottom: an/other oceania by Dulcie Stewart. Digital prints 2011.

I also exhibited an/other oceania later in the year at the opening of the Gallery of Oceanian Art at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.

And I was also part of Diasporadic679, a public exhibition of Fiji artists living in diaspora. D679 was part of the 2011 Southside Arts Festival in South Auckland.

 Diasporadic679 Fiji-Fly-Grrls! Dulcie Stewart (Australia), Sangeeta Singh (NZ), Luisa Tora (NZ), Torika Bolatagici (Australia), Margaret Aull (NZ), Ema Tavola (NZ)  and Tagi Qolouvaki (USA).

 Urban Viti also turned 1 last year! To celebrate I gave away a copy of one of the 12 digital prints from an/other oceania…which I still have yet to delivery on. Sorry Derek!

 I was interviewed by Drum Pasifika, which I think led to my interview on Radio Australia with Isabelle Genoux.

Speaking of interviews, check out my Talanoa sessions (interviews) with a bunch of amazing talented Pacific Islanders here. Vinaka Jack Eastgate, Cerisse Palalagi, Julia Mage’au Gray, Maryann Talia-Pau, Lainee Fagafa, Darren Kamali, Derek Cleland, Loketi Niua Latu, Irami Buli, Ema Tavola and Luisa Tora for letting me interrogate yous.

Vinaka Vakalevu to my readers, those who supplied me with information and photos and to the inspirational artists, curators and creative people – you’re all incredible!

If you haven’t already, you can sign up to receive new Urban Viti blog posts by email. If you go to the top of this page on the right hand side, enter your email address under EMAIL SUBSCRIPTION.

Don’t forget to stay connected with Urban Viti on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/Urban.Viti

Wishing you all the best for 2012!

Fine Dancing

Image via Oceania Centre

“This is a powerful work and underneath, there is something that you take away from it. It’s a small cast but a strong ensemble, rare and worthwhile experience.” ~ Peter Espiritu

Written and directed by Vilsoni Hereniko and produced by the Oceania Centre, the play Fine Dancing will explore the taboo themes of homosexuality, spousal abuse, child abuse, the impact of Christianity in the Pacific community and fostering spirit of forgiveness.

The play opens with a Gala Night Cocktail this Thursday (1 December 2011) at The University of the South Pacific in Suva and ends next week Saturday (10 December 2011), which I’ll be able to make as I’ll be in Fiji from the 9th! So look out for a review sometime next week by Urban Viti.

Starring the dancers from the Oceania Centre Dance Theatre Allan Alo, Ateca Ravuvu, Glen Lord and Sadrishan Velaidan, the play is choregraphed by Peter Espiritu who recently joined the Oceania Centre as the Artistic Director. Music and sound by Igelese Ete and Dave Lavaki.

Fine Dancing

Visual and Performing Arts Pavilion,
Oceania Centre
The University of the South Pacific
Suva, Fiji

Gala Opening Night Cocktail
Thursday 1 December 2011 $50

Regular Shows:
2, 3, 8, 9, 10 December 2011. $20

University Student Night:
7 December 2011. $10 (USP Student ID required)

Time: 7:30pm

Contact Ann Tarte for more information on (679) 323 2332 or tarte_a@usp.ac.fj

Tickets are available at the Oceania Centre, the USP Book Centre, the Kahawa Cafe, the Guava Cafe and the Holiday Inn.

Oceania Centre website: http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=8709

Further reading:

Centre to launch play for adult audience by Samisoni Nabilivalu. Fiji Times, 25 November 2011.

Fine Dancing play for adults only by Samisoni Nabilivalu And Antonia O’Flaherty. Fiji Times, 29 November 2011.

Click here for PDF version

The Festival is co-sponsored by Sundance Institute (USA) and The Film Institute (NZ) and has an exciting selection of films.

The Festival opens with the Samoan/New Zealand film O Le Tulafale which  has been nominated for the  Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards.

Bran Nue Dae
Granda
Journey To Iphipa
Keao
Malaga
Nana
O Le Tulafale (The Orator)
On The Ice
Rangatira: Making Waves – Merata Mita
Sikumi (On The Ice)
Sphere
Tama Tu (Sons of Tu)
Taua (War Party)
This Is Her
Va Tapuia
Waiata Whawhai : Songs of Protest

Apart from the Screenings, NUS will be hosting a workshop and concert.

Workshop
For people interested in meeting Samoan directors, actors, and members of the  industry. There will be a “In front of the Camera” session and then a “Behind the Camera” Session.
When: Saturday, 3 December 2011
Time: 9am-12pm.
This is FREE and open to the public

Concert
Featuring Samoan Reggae master “Fiji” at Tanoa Tusitala. Tickets are available through Tanoa Tusitala and are $25 each. {Note: Original email received did not have any information about the date or time of the concert. Also I don’t know if the Samoan Reggae master “Fiji” refers to Fijian born George “Fiji” Veikoso}

Tafaoata Film Festival

3-4 December 2011

Magik Cinema

Apia, Samoa

Tickets are available through Magik Cinema.

Source: CultureTalk email list

I talanoa with Jack about his journey as an artist.

Life is art is life. Inspired by life and the beauty that comes with struggle, I infuse the elements of my present urban society with multicultural roots, allowing me to articulate my personal and shared experiences. ~Jack Eastgate

Tell us a little about yourself and how you became an artist?
Life is Art is Life. This is my mantra. I am a Live Painter, Art Educator and Creative Designer.

I grew up in Suva, and Nasese was the old stomping ground. As a young boy I loved drawing and exploring the depths of the imagination.

I remember days when I’d sit with my Grandfather on the verandah. Everyone called him Uncle Bubba, but we called him pops. Sipping tea he would tell me stories of his childhood on Gau, the back-breaking work on copra plantations and his many adventures on the sea.

We’d build boats from scraps and old toys, and he would make little animals out of Heliconia flowers and twigs. I would watch the clouds dance and tell their stories, shaped by the wind. I would stare at the hedges and would pull faces and scenes out of the yellows, greens and shadows.

I drew a lot. I kept doodling my way through school to the dismay of my teachers who weren’t always happy with my sketch filled books and homework hand-ins. They didn’t believe me when I told them it helped me concentrate.

Unfortunately, this was my only art experience until the last two years of high school. That was when I had my first art class, which was all it took; I was hooked. After graduating high school, I worked the family farm in Naitasiri, but there was an uncertainty in my direction. I wanted to be an artist, but I didn’t know what that meant or how to get there.

A few months later an opportunity arose for me to come to America – it was accessible for me to migrate here as my mother is from San Fransisco, and my sister was living in Oakland at the time with her Husband, soulful singer songwriter, Damond Moodie.

That was 7 years ago.

Oakland, so beautiful and crazy at the same time. The culture that existed, a melting pot for music, art and people.

Life took many turns, many sweet victories and sour battles, all that helped shape my existence and perspective about life.

I went to school for Graphic Design, a degree I believed to encompass art, and the business of Art (much to the liking of my old man, who wasn’t so optimistic about artists due to the stigma associated with being an artist and the fact that he didn’t know too many successful ones). It was here that I found my voice. It was here that I discovered my passion – Live Painting.

During a figure drawing class, my professor decides to bring in a male model. Now with drawing from live models and nudes, the first class is always the most exciting; the whole time you’re sitting there saying, “Wow, it’s just like in the movies,” or “Wow, she’s really naked!” nevertheless, once you start drawing it quickly fades in lines curves and shades. So on this day, in walks the male model, and out I go. I just wasn’t inspired. As I’m walking down the hallway, I catch a poster that said “Talking Wood, an African Jazz Ensemble Live at Campus Cafe.” Great, I can kill time and catch a show. During their set I sketch the band. Afterwards I show the very talented lead singer, Amber Mczeal my drawing. She was impressed and handed me a number to call. I place the call and it is answered by Atiim Chenzira. “I called because a lady said you needed a live painter”, and he replied “great, this is the date, time etc., can you paint Mandala style?” There was a pause and I said yes. After the conversation the wave of excitement quickly changed to panic as I began to wonder what the heck was Mandala style and how do you paint live…

The day of the event arrived quickly and I collected every piece of painting equipment I could possibly fit in the car, rushed over to the art store and bought the largest canvas I’d ever attempted. I was excited and uncertain at the same time. I had never taken a painting class nor drawn/painted on anything larger than the standard sketch pads 18 x 24 inches; the canvas was 9 x 16 feet!

The venue was spectacular– several Bay Area artists were exhibiting on the wall and there were several bands, Djs and performances. I was placed on the mezzanine, overlooking the stage. This is it–I had to get over my stage fright and shyness now. With excitement overcoming my fear I embraced the uncertainty and the first stroke was lay’d. The last stroke was put at 5 am the next morning–11 hours after I started. Atiim, who stayed at the space left me a cup of coffee and said “Handle it.” It was unbelievable–the rush, excitement, the wonderful mistakes, the colors, and textures. As my brush moved to the music, my heart opened up, my mind expanded beyond its capacity and I was engulfed in love. What was this?! That was 2009.

After graduating earlier this year with a BA in Graphic Design I had my first solo show. Things worked out so well that I was able to line up three venues in a row for the month of September, and now I have two running in Oakland and one in San Francisco. I even had the pleasure of exhibiting at The House of Music, owned by Oakland’s finest, Dwayne Wiggins from old school R n B group Tony! Toni! Toné!

2011 has been a good year for me as I was also able to launch my modest company Fiji Designs, a graphic/ web, mural and live painting collective.

Recent solo exhibtion in Oakland.

What challenges have you faced, and what advice would you have for aspiring Pacific artists?
Life itself is a beautiful struggle. Keeping real, honest, and true to your roots is a worthy challenge. Life is Art is Life. We all make mistakes, so make art of your mistakes; let it become something and if anything it is a lesson. Learn from it and move on–your life is a canvas. Reflect on the past, look to the future but live in the Now! Throw away your TVs! Draw, go for a walk, talk to peoples, smile…and above all, live!

Can you give us a little insight into your creative – how do you first approach a new project?
Nearly all the pieces I’ve exhibited have been created live. I’ll show up to an event with a blank canvas, paints and brushes and basically feel the vibe, the music and the people. It’s exciting to paint without having any idea of what to paint until the moment arrives. It really defines being in the Now, and it keeps me present. I’ve definitely put in the time to practice, proportions and elements that make a composition, and from this I’ve discovered my style. Experiment, and again be open to your mistakes. Take responsibility for them, embrace them, own them; It’s a good way to appreciate your imperfections as they are beautiful.

Do other photographers, artists or creative people inspire you or have influenced you and how?
I have many favorites, and have had the privilege of meeting many of them. Folks from BDS collective (Black Diamonds Shinning), Ras Terms, Safety First, Deadeyes, and Ash Rose. Desi Womi, the front man of Community Rejuvenation Project, a collective responsible for putting up several awesome murals on the streets of Oakland, NOA-, the badass live painter with the illest brush strokes, the photography of Bryon Malik, and especially all the Djs I’ve had the pleasure of painting to- Cecil, Cali, B Brown, Damien Diaz and Nina Sol Robinson.

Established in 2001, BCA is dedicated to the exhibition of Cook Islands & world contemporary art including paintings, sculpture, photography, video and new media installation.

METAMORPHIS represents BCA Gallery’s 63rd art project. On this occasion, BCA has selected nine artists that represent their endeavours of the past and who will undoubtedly play an important role in their combined futures. Their work speaks to their experiences and ideals. Together they form a fundamental statement of contemporary art practise within the Pacific region.

Pacific Identities | Kay George | Digital Vinyl Print | 1000X1500mm

METAMORPHIS

Loretta Reynolds, Tim Buchanan, Andy Leleisi’uao, Nanette Lela’ulu, Reuben Paterson, Sylvia Marsters , Joan Gragg,  Kay George & Mark Cross

Opening Tuesday, November 15th, 6pm

November 15 – December 9 2011

Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm & Saturday 9am-12pm or by appointment.

BCA Gallery, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Website: http://www.gallerybca.com/

Source and image via BCA Gallery

The GALLERY OF OCEANIAN ART presents Map of Life: Paintings, Drawings & Poetry

Exhibition will showcase art and poetry resulting from a 3 week workshop by one of Oceania’s most celebrated artists, John Pule.

Participating artists include Harieta Janet Vilsoni, Victoria Pau’u, Tevita Sauliga, Tomasi Domomate, Irami Buli, Ledua Peni, Pita Waaqanui, Esala Caucau, Josaia McNamara, Josua Toganivalu, William Bakalevu and John Pule.

Gallery of Oceanian Art

Open to the public from 3rd November 2011.

Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00am-4:00pm

University of the South Pacific
Laucala Campus
Suva, Fiji

Contact:
Johanna Beasley
Visual Arts Coordinator, Oceania Centre
Phone: (679) 3232833

Website: http://www.usp.ac.fj/index.php?id=8707

Urban Viti blog post: Oceania Centre: Gallery of Oceanian Art

Source: Josua Toganivalu