Lomiga Lua: i Luga ‘o le Moana: Leitu Bonnici
22 July 2023 - 24 September 2023
Curator:
Artist: Led by Leitu Bonnici in collaboration with Alitasi Fatu, Denise Roberts, Moira Roberts, Numiamalepule Adrian Tuitama
Artists:
Location: Boadle Hall
This exhibition is the fourth manifestation of Lomiga Lua: i Luga ‘o le Moana, a volume of interdisciplinary publications that explore the link that exists between ‘āiga across waters despite physical distance from each other, and from Sāmoa. This volume is the second in the ongoing project, ‘Afa‘afakasi, an experimental publishing series that promotes visibility and reclamation of gagana Sāmoa through a critical, collaborative and playful approach.
The word ‘sami’ is used to describe the sea or ocean in gagana Sāmoa, but the word ‘moana’ can also be used and is shared as a word for ocean across multiple Nations of Moana Oceania. It can also mean the colour blue in gagana Sāmoa, as in ‘lanumoana’. On the internet, blue is the default colour used to denote connection to other destinations in the form of hyperlinks. Lomiga Lua: i Luga ‘o le Moana uses the colour blue and digital reproductions of the ocean as the context for a chorus of words, thoughts and conversations.
The work features text formed through familial connection, memory and shared interactions by ‘āiga in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), on Komburmerri Country (Gold Coast) and in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton). Compositions using this text were created in Naarm, along with digitally constructed interpretations of the ocean that use a mixture of illustration, code, three-dimensional digital modelling and footage taken in Sāmoa.
Lomiga Lua: i Luga ‘o le Moana translates to Issue Two: Over the Ocean/Blue and was developed in collaboration with Alitasi Fatu, Moira Roberts, Denise Roberts and Numiamalepule Adrian Tuitama.