Art auction to aid Samoa
by CHARLES ANDERSON - Nelson
CREATIVE FORCES: Tahunanui artist Mark Fa'avae, centre with two of his works to be included in the art exhibition and sale for the Samoa tsunami relief fund. Fellow artists Symen Hunter, left, and Geoff Noble will also provide works for the cause.
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Nelson's arts community has rallied around an initiative to help victims of the Samoan tsunami.
Several acclaimed Nelson artists will provide works for an auction at The Suter gallery in support of the Samoan tsunami relief fund.
Mark Fa'avae, Robin Slow and Geoff Noble will be exhibiting paintings, while Brian Flintoff and Tim Wraight will be displaying carved and sculpted artworks.
Recognised nationally as a contemporary Pacific artist, Fa'avae says he aims to capture the Samoan culture in his art, using Pacific Island themes, tapa patterns and motifs with a modern twist. Born and raised in Samoa, he attended high school in New Zealand and studied for his art diploma at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
"Through my paintings, I can share my Samoan culture and my journey of self-discovery," he says.
Suter director Julie Catchpole says Takaka-based Slow uses images to tell stories that are both thought-provoking and symbolic.
He has worked at Onetahua Marae in Golden Bay, producing murals, traditional instruments, kowhaiwhai and carving, culminating in the completion of the wharenui, Te Ao Museum.
Ms Catchpole says the list of artists is not yet complete and more are likely to contribute, providing an exciting variety of work.
From November 10 to 14, a silent auction of the pieces will be held, and all proceeds above the artists' prices will go to the Samoa tsunami relief fund. Entry to the exhibition will be by donation, which will also go towards the fund.
There will be an event at the gallery on the final day of the auction, with performances and other entertainment, culminating in the announcement of the successful bidders.
"We are very excited about the calibre of the artists contributing to the exhibition," says Ms Catchpole. "The tragedy of what occurred in Samoa and Tonga is very close to home and the hearts of New Zealanders."
Someone who feels the tragedy keenly is Andrea Livingston, the director of Wildside Travel in Motueka, who conducts regular cycle tours in Samoa and is sponsoring the exhibition.
"No-one can visit without coming away with a few reminders of the strength and importance of community and family. Everyone brings home a piece of Samoa, so it feels very right to pull together our community here, in a show of strength and talent to return the lesson and give back in their time of need. We are thrilled to be involved with the Suter exhibition in this way."
- Le Fetu, exhibition and auction for the Samoan tsunami relief fund at the Suter, November 10 to 14.
