Mahiriki Tangaroa, May the Sound of the Tradewinds Remind You, 2024. Oil on canvas, 760 x 510mm.
Opening Speakers:
Ewan Smith, Director Air Rarotonga.
Fatu Feu'u, Exhibiting Artist.
Aro'a Alofa reunites artists Mahiriki Tangaroa and Fatu Feu'u. Long regarded as the Godfather of Pacific Contemporary Art, Feu'u visited Rarotonga in 2022 as Creative New Zealand artist in residence, in association with the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development. While in Rarotonga, Feu'u mentored local artists and produced a body of work for a series of exhibitions including the group show Aro'a Rarotonga.
Mahiriki Tangaroa writes 'It was 2002, working in conjunction with Beachcomber Contemporary Art (BCA), that I had the opportunity to organise and participate in the group exhibition entitled Aro’a Rarotonga. Participating fellow artists were Fatu Feu’u, Tim Manavaroa Buchanan and the late Ian George. The idea of the exhibition was foremost to come together as artists, to honour and pay tribute to the vibrant island environment which enables us to create and express ourselves as contemporary Pacific artists.
Twenty two years on and it's been a memorable monumental voyage. Aro’a Alofa revisits an era, a time of humble beginnings, optimism and high aspirations. The works in this exhibition have been inspired by the friendships that were formed during this time. With the prospect of further continuing our relationships, our respective cultural and artistic connections.'
