July exhibition of contemporary Pacific art

Home AKL is a dynamic exhibition presenting works by Pacific artists, most of whom live in Auckland.

Home AKL reveals the increasingly significant role Pacific art plays in New Zealand's identity and cultural landscape, and includes work by more than 20 artists whose heritage derives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu.

'New Zealand's contemporary Pacific art reflects many distinctive voices, stories and perspectives - it's urban, biographical and affected by its grass-roots community,' says the Gallery's Senior Curator, New Zealand and Pacific Art, Ron Brownson.

Artwork by three generations of Pacific artists show how these practitioners use personal experience to examine concepts of 'home' and belonging.

'It is impossible to consider New Zealand art today without taking account of the influence of the Pacific,' says Home AKL Associate Curator Ema Tavola of Fresh Gallery Otara. Also working with the Gallery on this exhibition are Associate Curators Nina Tonga and Kolokesa Māhina-Tuai.

A range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and
adornment has been selected. Alongside artwork from the Gallery's collection and loans, Home AKL will feature 13 new commissions, including five from Fiji,Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu and present work by Joana Monolagi,Louisa Humphry, Kaetaeta Watson, Foufili Halagigie, Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine, Kolokesa Kulīkefu, Hūlita Tupou and Lakiloko Keakea.

Home AKL's opening day will be celebrated with free entry to the exhibition, music and performances. A family-friendly Big Day Art will also be held with art workshops inspired by the exhibition. Over the course of Home AKL, the exhibition's supporting visitor programme will include free artist talks, film screenings and a seminar.

The exhibition is generously supported by Creative New Zealand and art patrons Rose Dunn and the Friedlander Foundation.