Liana Leiataua with Pasifika youth and aiga
19 October - 15 November
The Darkness has moved away, the light is starting to come in.
- Susuga Leiataua Le Sa Mulufuiana
Artist Liana Leiataua explores themes of identity, memory and symbolism in an upcoming exhibition that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Dawn Raids. Ua Tafa Mai Ata is a visual response that acknowledges the ongoing and lived experiences that Pacific communities continue to be impacted by the events that occurred in 1974-1976. Through collaboration with Pasifika youth and aiga, the exhibition seeks to create a path towards healing, reclamation, peace, and restoration of the mana for future generations to come.
Ua Tafa Mai Ata features the work of Pasifika students who have engaged with the Dawn Raids through workshops and talanoa led by Liana through an initiative that brings Te Papa, Toi Pōneke, Pātaka Art and Museum, and Manatū Taonga – the Ministry of Culture and Heritage together in partnership. Liana Leiataua has also been commissioned by Te Papa to paint a mural at the Wesley Church, that draws from the memories and ideas about the Dawn Raids that were brought forward by the children during the workshops.
The exhibition at Toi Pōneke will feature historic photographs of the Dawn Raids, in conjunction with the artworks created in the workshops by the children which encapsulate what Ua Tafa Mai Ata means - “the darkness has moved away, the light is starting to come in.” A work by Liana will also be featured, exemplifying the bridge between light and dark.
Ua Tafa Mai Ata will be open from the 19th of October to the 15th of November. There will be an exhibition opening on the 19th, at 10 am.
Dawn Raids 50th Commemoration Mural - Livestream (via Facebook)
Wednesday 23 October
Tune in at 2pm to see Liana Leiataua painting live at the mural site at Wesleyan Church - Taranaki St, Te Aro Wellington.
This mural has been commissioned by Te Papa to commemorate the anniversary of the Dawn Raids.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DAWN RAIDS
Understanding Dawn Raids | Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture & Heritage (mch.govt.nz)
