17-year-old artist supports his family with exquisite pareu paintings

Jeremiah Tangianau, 17, from Rutaki, is trying to make life easier for his family, not only with his paintbrush but also with his commitment to his parents.

Every day after school, as well as on weekends and holidays, Tangianau would immerse himself in painting parius (the traditional sarong of the Cook Islands) in and around his workshop at his home in Rarotonga.

For him, this creative pursuit is more than just a hobby, as it means it is an important source of livelihood that helps his family make ends meet.

Tangianau’s parents have been designing and selling hand-painted clothing for more than 20 years, and have earned a reputation for their detailed designs and exquisite craftsmanship.

While his other two siblings were overseas, only Tangianau stayed at home with his parents, taking care of his university studies while also taking on the responsibility of supporting his parents’ business.

“We put the holy palu on plywood with different designs carved on it, and then we paint it. For me, it’s been more than five years, but my dad has been painting most of his life,” he said.

“At first I was forced to help, but over time I got used to it and became passionate about it. My mom has been doing it for more than 20 years.”

“We have another shop in town but that’s just for selling other things on the roadside during my school holidays.”

Tangianau’s interest in art dates back more than five years, when he spent hours in the studio watching his parents transform ordinary fabrics into beautiful works of art.

Over the years, he honed his skills and became a skilled painter.

While the current focus is on raising a family, Tangianau has bigger dreams.

He aspires to become a technician.

Despite the high demands of school and studio, he remained determined to learn in order to have a better life.

“I always wanted to be a technician, but that was in the future,” he said.

The teenager sells paris from a roadside shed, and its authenticity and beauty attract local customers and tourists.

His parents focused on the town’s main store, where their family sold other handicrafts and locally sewn fabrics, such as dresses.

Tangiano’s advice to the younger generation is to “honestly do your best and try your best to succeed in life.”