ELENI – NAVIGATORS OF POLYNESIA | FARAIMO PAULO

Faraimo Paulo is a traditional painter, carver and designer from the islands of Tokelau.

Traditional painter, carver and designer Faraimo Paulo of Tokelau is on a mission to record his people’s history and culture. 

As emigration and rising water levels from global warming threaten to erase the traditional Tokelauan lifestyle, Paulo has embarked on a mission to realistically capture on canvas the culture, stories and scenes of Tokelauan society, often using his family members as models. 

Faraimo has a unique style of art he calls “patterns and weaving” drawing inspiration from patterns Polynesians use on tattoos and clothing, as well as weaving used in every life.

He has spent the last 20 years building his collection and has just finished his first exhibition in Logan, Brisbane.