Coming Up At Thistle Hall

Coming Up At Thistle Hall

On Later This Week
5 - 8 JULY 2012

Decoding Polynesia | Aiga Maiava & Moses Viliamu

OPENING: 6.30 - 9.00pm Thursday 5 July.
OPEN: 11.00am - 7.30pm Friday 6 July, 10.00am - 7.30pm Saturday 7 July and 10.00am - 4.30pm Sunday 8 July.

Traditional Pacific Tattooing is loaded with symbolism and meaning. Its forms are derived from customs and sacred rituals passed down through the ages. It has become quite fashionable to have a Polynesian sleeve or tattoo for people somewhere on the body. But does the 'Tatau' (tattoo) hold the same honour as it once did?

Pondering this question, Whitireia artist Aiga Maiava wonders if 'people know the meanings behind the designs beyond decoration?' Aiga has been investigating the use of Samoan tatau and explores representation through a series of codes and decoding as artist prints.

From another perspective, fellow artist Moses Viliamu explores why traditional Tokelauan tattooing is no longer evident today. In his exploration of this subject Moses found that 'Peruvian slave ships came & took all of the able bodied men from the Island & left only 6 old men to carry on the traditional way of life'. Essentially, this had a huge impact on the cultural practices of its people.

If you are interested in responding or wish to know more, come and see this exhibition. It poses more through the ultramodern technique of QR Codes (Quick Response). If you can bring a smart phone you can download a surprise or two at the exhibition.

Up Next
10 - 15 JULY 2012
DR STRANGE'S NUCLEAR EMPORIUM: JONNY DE PAINTER & DAVID C BOYLE
OPENING: 5.30pm Tuesday 10 July.
OPEN: 10.00am - 6.00pm Tuesday - Sunday.

Jonny de Painter
I am showing sculptures, paintings and photographs, works that are all linked to toys in some way, but are motivated by adult observations on the human condition some would fall into the realm of social commentary, some of them are camply sinister and some are just strange.

I have tried to present the works as if it was a toy shop for adults (an emporium) - instilled with sardonic glee and brimming with Friday night excitement - with special attention to my window display items (made from various old plastic toys from cereal packets to cake shop accessories). These adult-toys are not so innocent as to allow for the comfort of mere escapism -as they comment pointedly on capitalism, (the proscribed pattern of our lives of 'organized happiness'), the patriarchy, and the military-industrial complex -or the price of cheese.

At childhoods end, which I think comes by degrees, things are seen in a different light, idealism is usually the first thing to go and there comes a time when we must choose everything and/or nothing- but tempered with honesty and humour, the self-respecting artist can take what life flings at him while he 'sticks it to the man'.

David C Boyle
This well known scamp will be showing an array of his oil paintings-Ray Lamps, Bolted books and the now famous toilet roll holders, and maybe even some Ian the Horse comics. He also an exhibition opening at Roar! Gallery on the 7th June 5.30pm.
ends

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