Art exhibition helps celebrate ‘unique’ artform in Niue

A renowned Niue artist is proud to share his unique artwork in Niue as a contribution to the 50th Pulefakamotu Constitution celebrations.

John Pule, an artist and writer from Liku Niue, launched his third art exhibition in Niue named Ata to mark this historic event.

Pule explained the meaning behind the name.

“The title of the exhibition is called ‘ata’, which in Niue has a few meanings. It can mean the tree, the ata tree that the ancient hiapo was from on the bark of an ata tree.

“Ata could also mean shadow, it could mean vision, and a picture. And I thought it would be a really good title.”

Photo/PMN News/Matt Manukuo

The exhibition invited members of the public to observe several pieces of unique hiapo paintings, designed by Pule.

He says his designs were inspired by the 19th century hiapo practice in Niue.

“Niueans were very prolific in making Hiapo, these were not just tiny pieces, these were gigantic! Black was one of the main colours to paint on hiapo, a mustard yellow, a burned sienna and a burned umber.”

As part of the exhibition was a workshop for young people to produce their own hiapo-inspired prints on to material. The project, spear-headed by artist Jasmine Lee-Vaha, is part of the US Embassy project for young Pacific leaders.

Photo/PMN News/Matt Manukuo

US Embassy Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist Mara Kavehivehi Hosoda Su’a says the project is an extension of a workshop in Fiji that helps champion young people across the Pacific.

“It’s part of a programme, a workshop that was held earlier in Fiji, this workshop is a continuation of that.

“In that workshop they asked how do we create sustainable businesses, how do we educate our youth, how do we creative environmental solutions that will last us long term for the future.

“So this month in October, our young Pacific leaders from those 24 nations are serving and learning alongside each other and their communities back home, creating different volunteer projects so they can encourage and share opportunities with people across the Pacific.”