Journey of discovery ahead for Creative New Zealand Samoa Artist-in-Residence

Ioane Ioane will embark on a journey exploring his cultural roots and the art of building a Va’aaolo (traditional fishing canoe), as the 2018 Creative New Zealand Samoa Artist in Residence.
 

A model of a va’aalo (traditional fishing canoe)

A partnership with the National University of Samoa, with support from the New Zealand High Commission in Apia, the residency offers three months in Apia for a mid-career or established New Zealand artist of Pacific heritage to work on an arts project and to develop their skills and practice. Ioane, who spent six years in Samoa as a child, will research how to construct and then begin building a ten-metre va’aalo, which he will complete on his return to New Zealand.

“The residency will be a chance to reconnect with my roots through living and working in my ancestral island. My goal is to promote the ancient craft of va’aalo.”  

At the end of his residency he will produce an audio-visual art installation, using sound, sculpture and video projection that will be influenced by all his experiences in Samoa. Following this, Ioane will exhibit a solo exhibition at Whitespace Contemporary Art.

The annual residency is funded by Creative New Zealand and provides NZD $15,000 for the artist towards an artist stipend, accommodation and travel costs.

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