ArtBeat
Inasi-First Fruits is a group exhibition curated by Fibre Gallery, comprising work from the Tongan artists’ collection, Kava Book Club Aotearoa, who comment that it represents ‘a dialogue centred on reconnection to identity and place.’ A multi-disciplinary exhibition it brings together various arts practices that include poetry and customary tattooing. In a wider context, Inasi-First Fruits highlights the significance and potential of Fibre Gallery, established by artist Nina Oberg Humphries in January 2023, a contemporary community space in Ōtautahi that is without precedent. Inasi-First Fruits featured the work of ten-artists: Ahota’e’iloa Toetu’u (Loa), Benjamin Work, Eric Soakai, Rizvan Tu’itahi, Saia Tu’itahi, Terje Koloamatangi, Tauke (TK) Hards, Dietrich Soakia, Sione Faletau and Samuel Tu’itahi.
Kava Book Club Aotearoa, Inasi-First Fruits, , Fibre Gallery, 31 March – 12 May.
IMAGE
Ahota’e’iloa Toetu’u, three paintings, acrylic on canvas, 2023, 1520mm x 760mm