‘ARE PASIFIKA by Nina Oberg Humphries for SCAPE Public Art Season 2017

[image caption] Nina Oberg Humphries ‘ARE PASIFIKA 2017.

This work explored the concept of Tivaevae as a material symbol of cultural belonging and participation, and a making and gifting process through which knowledge is exchanged and cultural bonding takes place. Aesthetically, Tivaevae embody cultural change and the maintenance of values, and are a means of affirming one’s identity and sense of belonging. Honouring the Vā they also serve to formalise a space, symbolically separating the sacred from the profane. Using the hands of many, ‘ARE PASIFIKA offered Pasifika peoples living in Ōtautahi a space to share expressions of identity, strengthen community networks, share knowledge, stories and creatively engage with various heritage arts and cultural practices. Oberg Humphries led a series of making workshops and drop-in sessions, and collected material made by participants for a two-week exhibition (4 to 18 November 2017).

Oberg Humphries worked with curators from the Canterbury Museum to select a vitrine of body adornment objects from Samoa, the Cook Islands and Tonga from their collection, which were on display in the Museum foyer for the duration of SCAPE Season 2017.