ADAM DOUGLASS | ABOUT | ARTWORK | TEXT | CONTACT |
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Vataulua
Warning: Contains sexual references and potentially offensive language. Please see link below for censored version On the Spot Artspace, late into the evening of the opening, August 4, 2015 Rachel stirring the kava Entrance to Vataulua, Looking back towards the entrance Trapdoor to a tunnel that leads to a secret room above Inside the secret room there are no doors or lights. The audience must have their own torch. Inside the area are a series of marker pens to encourage contributions The back room Opening night Ebonie Fifita is a multi disciplinary artist and director of On the Spot Arts Initiative. On the Spot is an independent organisation that provide and support artistic endeavours, facilitate professional events and exhibitions and are dedicated to cultural development in Tonga, making the arts accessible and providing a platform for all Tongans to influence and contribute to culture. On the Spot produce and support various traditional and contemporary art forms, including theatre, dance,music, visual art and everything inbetween. They are important to the development of free expression and creativity in Tonga. https://www.facebook.com/ONTHESP.T/timeline Tevita Latu is a prominent Tongan artist and member of Seleka. The first time I had a conversation with Tevita was during a kava session at Seleka. I asked whether it was protocol to drink the cup of kava I was given in one swig. Tevita replied 'If that's protocol Adam, maybe you should do it in two.' This brief exchange highlights Tevita's and Seleka's motivation: question, challenge and critique conventions, particularly conventions that are designed to exploit. The Seleka fale, where kava and painting is a popular pastime time Photo:Rizvan Painting workshops Photo: Mark Aubort Painting workshops Photo:Mark Aubort Seleka artist Tevita Mamani, putting in an epic effort to help complete Vataulua Painting workshops When Jesus say yes, nobody can say no, when jesus say yes, nobody can say no. I know Jesus loves me. Love Naua The right hand panels feature one statement above, and a response below. (above right) Join Tongan Polisi Tamate (Join Tongan Police, Murderers) I learnt that this may have been painted in relation to this murder: http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/two-tongan-police-jailed-over-new-zealand-cops-death-585793 (below right) Mate Ma'a Tonga ( die for Tonga) Kihe Lelei Taha (strive for the best) Ki he Lele (until they flee/run) Ita Ha (angry why) PINE toko (don't give up, stick it out, carry on brother) LO2 is text abbreviation for Lotu (prayer, pray or religion, it also resembles LOL) (left) Naua focused on the location of her panel (right) Steev Maka and Ebonie Fifita hanging out under the whale. Vataulua would not have been possible without the massive contribution of this dynamic duo, from building anything imaginable to professional productions and kindness and generosity. These two are amazing. Photo: Mark Aubort Interview with Ebonie Fifita by Cameron Sugden- please contact me for password. Interview with Mele Palu by Ebonie Maka-Fifita one month after the exhibtion opeing of Vataulua. Camera Sugden camera. Please contact me for password. Interview with Steev Maka by Ebonie Maka-Fifita one month after the exhibtion opeing of Vataulua,. Camera Sugden camera. Please contact me for password. |
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- Adam Douglass 2021