New Book 'Pacific Arts Aotearoa' Chronicles Six Decades of Pasifika Artistry

Set to the backdrop of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and toasted to as a prelude to an evening dedicated to celebrating Pasifika excellence, a groundbreaking book titled Pacific Arts Aotearoa has emerged, unveiling a profound tapestry of artistry and storytelling spanning over six decades.

This monumental endeavour, a collaborative work by a dedicated team of Pasifika creators, highlights the multi-dimensional contributions of Pacific artists to Aotearoa history.

Edited by esteemed Pacific writer and scholar Dr Lana Lopesi, designed by Shaun Naufahu, and project-managed by Faith Wilson, Pacific Arts Aotearoa is a testament to the rich and vibrant artistic legacy of the Pacific community in Aotearoa, and evolved from the want and need to highlight Pasifika excellence in Aotearoa.

As recalled by Project Editor Faith Wilson, Lopesi worked with 50 prominent Pacific artists to write their own profiles for an online Pacific Arts Legacy project in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Upon the success of the profile project, Penguin Random House New Zealand contacted Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts Senior Manager Makerita Urale to develop the idea into a published book, thus growing from artist profiles to documenting the history of Pacific Arts in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“[It’s] a celebration of just some of the amazing stories and histories.. We’re just so proud to be able to bring some of those stories to light, some that haven’t been published in mainstream media before,” said Wilson.

The heart of the book encompasses the works and contributions of more than 120 artists, curators, and community voices, presenting fresh and unexampled perspectives on an ever-growing artistic heritage.

Woven into these narratives is the story of Pacific artists in Aotearoa, from their initial arrival on these shores to the present day, with an eye on the future.

The book seamlessly threads stories from respected elders like Albert Wendt and Fatu Feu‘u, to revolutionary radicals like Tusiata Avia and Lindah Lepou, New Zealand's first Queer Arts Laureate, along with renowned figures such as Oscar Kightley and Nathaniel Lees.

Emerging stars like singer Moana Ete and dancer Jahra Wasasala also feature prominently. The artforms explored encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from the steel guitar bands of 1940s Auckland to contemporary visual arts and performance, among others.

Between these stories, readers will discover enlightening essays written by experts in the field, offering a comprehensive overview of key moments, movements, and figures across six decades of creativity.

Pacific Arts Aotearoa weaves together the resilience and creativity of Pacific communities, capturing a history that encompasses significant events such as the Dawn Raids and the surge of Polynesian creativity in the 1990s, all the way to the ongoing battle against climate change. It is a profound story of community, alofa, and the unyielding spirit of the Pacific.

The artistic essence of Pacific Arts Aotearoa is further brought to life by designer Shaun Naufahu. “We specifically referenced a tīvaevae made by Mi'i Quarter, that was originally commissioned by TV2."

"The idea was to reference those colours as that piece is emblematic of where contemporary New Zealand practice met a customary craft, that reference sums up all the stories of this book.”

Creating a distinctive display typeface and design layouts for the book, Naufahu explains the thought process behind the visual elements. "When you look at this book, you know that it relates to the Moana. That’s quite a powerful thing."

Claire Murdoch, Head of Publishing at Penguin Random House New Zealand, underscores the immense impact of Pacific artists, saying, "From Albert Wendt to Che Fu to Parris Goebel, Pacific artists have contributed vastly to the story of art in this part of the world for nearly a century. This book reveals the scale of that influence, and Lopesi’s history shows the waves of surgent and resurgent Pacific creativity they have brought."

“It is incredibly powerful, it’s a taonga in itself, to be held and read.”

With its visually stunning design, profound narratives, and a chorus of voices representing the vast spectrum of Pacific creativity, Pacific Arts Aotearoa is poised to become a cornerstone in celebrating the rich artistic heritage of the Pacific community in Aotearoa. This book is not merely an artistic showcase; but a cultural testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Pacific artistry in New Zealand and beyond.

For information on where to purchase Pacific Arts Aotearoa, click here.

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By Anric Sitanilei
Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air