Lomiga Lua: i Luga ‘o le Moana: Leitu Bonnici
22 July 2023 - 24 September 2023
Curator:
Artist(s): Led by Leitu Bonnici in collaboration with Alitasi Fatu, Denise Roberts, Moira Roberts, Numiamalepule Adrian Tuitama
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.
The opening night will be held on Friday, 21 July, from 6pm at Incinerator Gallery alongside exhibitions Collective Breath and Alt/Text.
Leitu Bonnici is a graphic designer, filmmaker and artist currently living and working across unceded Bunurong and Wurundjeri Lands. She is of Sāmoan, Italian, Maltese, Irish, English and Swedish ancestry (among others). Through a wide range of methods her work seeks to disrupt the entrenched frameworks that dictate the recording and distribution of information. Leitu runs Le Phem Era, an interdisciplinary practice that critically examines ephemera in all its forms through experimental methods of archiving and publishing.
Instagram: @l31tu and @le_phem_era
Alitasi Fatu was born in Faleasi’u, Sāmoa and currently lives in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). She enjoys creating music and sings in a band. She is proud to be Sāmoan and loves seeing her Oceania community thrive.
Denise Roberts was born in Faleasi’u, Sāmoa and currently lives on Kombumerri Country (Gold Coast). She is studying to be a maths teacher, has a passion for learning about different languages and cultures, and feels a deep connection to her Sāmoan roots.
Moira Roberts was born in Faleasi’u, Sāmoa and currently lives on Kombumerri Country (Gold Coast). She is studying to be a maths teacher, enjoys being creative and is a proud person of Oceania.
Numiamalepule Adrian Tuitama is of Sāmoan ancestry, was born in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and lives in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton). He is married with three children and seven grandchildren, likes singing and caring for others, has lived an eventful life and is over pālagi ways.
Join us for Tusi Solo Malie: Online Gagana Sāmoa Workshop a free workshop on Tuesday, 29th August, 6.45pm - 8pm and held via Zoom.
Sāmoan community and language learners are invited to join in this casual workshop led by artist Leitu Bonnici to create humorous poetry using Sāmoan homonyms—words that have more than one meaning.
Learn more and book your ticket here.