Tongan artist

US-based Tongan artist wins NZ arts residency

The New York-based actor, poet and artist is currently in Auckland and says she is honoured to be recognised for her work.

Niumeitolu has completed 24 community murals in Australia, Kenya, Jordan, New Zealand, Palestine, South Africa and in the United States: California, New York (Brooklyn and the Bronx) and Utah.

She will be in New Zealand for a month as part of her residency.

Niumeitolu said she is also proud to be in the country to celebrate Tongan Language Week which ends this weekend.

Pasifika sculpture included in Matariki lunar compass

The aim behind the carving symposium was to create a lunar compass using the 12 sculptures.

Made from Oamaru stone, the works were carved in just five days and will be on public display in Manukau South Auckland from today.

Panuku Placemaking South's Ole Maiava said it was important to include a Pacific view on the stars.

He said Tongan artist, Filipe Tohi's sculpture work is internationally renowned.

"So it is good having him here, because it also brings a Pacific spin and connects us with tagata whenua," said Ole Maiava.

Homelessness project earns Tongan-born artist award

Kalisolaite 'Uhila said he felt humbled and overwhelmed at the award for an art project on homelessness.

He produced it after spending three months living on Auckland's streets.

Mr 'Uhila said he now tells others, not only, to follow their own passion and path in life but to find artistic mentors.

"Seek help from the pioneers of the time before us and just kind of look at the sea and beyond and think to yourself, what is beyond that horizon line?"

Tongan artist features traditional Ngatu at Auckland exhibition

Fonua’s passion for art and painting has seen doors of opportunity open up for her.

The latest was an exhibition at the Papakura Art Gallery in Auckland, New Zealand that which featured traditional Tongan Ngatu.

Fonua with teamed up with Tanya Edwards to showcase art pieces that are incorporated with traditional printing techniques that are not used anymore.

Ngatu is the Tongan name given to tapa cloth or decorated bark cloth.