Objectspace is delighted to present Nimamea’a: The fine arts of Tongan embroidery and crochet– their first major project focused on making from the Pacific (19th November 2011 – 22nd December 2011.)
Objectspace approached curators Kolokesa Uafa Mahina-Tuai and Manuesina ‘Ofa-ki-Hautolo Mahina in 2010 about developing a project for Objectspace after seeing their Fresh Gallery Otara exhibition Tongan Style. The makers of the works featured in Nimamea’a: The fine arts of Tongan embroidery and crochetare; Kolokesa Kulikefu, Tu’utanga Hunuhunu Mahina, Manuesina Tonata, Lingisiva ‘Aloua, Noma ‘Ofa-ki-Nu’usila Talakia’atu, Falesiu Siu and Lupe Mahe. Curators Kolokesa Uafa Mahina-Tuai and Manuesina ‘Ofa-ki-Hautolo Mahina state, “We wanted to do a show on the fine arts of Tongan embroidery and crochet simply because of the lack of awareness and visibility that these two art forms have outside of a Tongan context. We hope that this exhibition will give people an aesthetic appreciation of these two art forms and an insight into their significance from a Tongan cultural context.”The exhibition is complemented by Glenn Jowitt’s wonderful collection of fans, hats and place mats.
