New exhibition by renowned artist celebrates Cook Islands cultural heritage

Fatu Feu’u, the “godfather” of Pacific contemporary art, has returned to the Cook Islands to work with local artists and express gratitude to the place that helped launch his artistic career.

Feu’u will reunite with renowned Cook Islands artist Mahiriki Tangaroa for the opening of the Aro’a Alofa exhibition at the Bergman Gallery in Taputapuatea tonight at 6pm.

The renowned Samoan artist visited Rarotonga in 2002 as a New Zealand Creative Artist in Residence in partnership with the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development.

While in Rarotonga he mentored local artists and created a number of works for a number of exhibitions, including the group show Aro’a Rarotonga.

Feu’u says returning to Rarotonga and working with Tangaroa to showcase his latest work is a way to give back to the Cook Islands and friends who have supported his career, as well as reconnecting with the local community.

“It was a good idea to reconnect with the people who helped me in my career because, let’s be honest, in our Polynesian culture, you don’t do things alone,” the 78-year-old artist explained.

“You always take your brother or your best friend with you, and sharing things with friends is a very important thing.

“I think for tomorrow (today), if anyone asks me to say something, I would just like to say thank you to the artist friends who are here, and thank you to Bergman Gallery for helping me and other artists like Riki (Tangaroa) in their careers.

“Even a lot of other artists based in New Zealand have come here, and Bergman Gallery has been in Auckland for three years now and it’s working well, which helps to push our business from here to New Zealand, New York and even Europe.”

Feu, who hails from the village of Putasi in the Falealili district of Samoa, said being Polynesian and having a Cook Islands connection was one of the advantages of being in the arts. They respect and support each other.

This is not the first time Feu’u has visited the island. He has travelled to the island many times before for the same cause and has inspired many young generations and communities in recent years.

When asked why he keeps returning to the Cook Islands instead of his native Samoa, Feu said it’s because of his friends and the connections he made in Rarotonga.

“I know a lot of Cook Islands artists in New Zealand too, who are doing really good work. One thing I always say about the Cook Islands is that if (famous Japanese painter Shiba Mitsukan) had ever been to the Cook Islands, he would have ended up painting here.”

Feu’u was appointed an Honorary Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2001 New Year Honours.

In October 2022, he was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist Award by Creative New Zealand in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and leadership in the Pacific arts community.

In December 2022, Fatu received the ICON Award from the New Zealand Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, along with Dame Jane Campion and Dame Robin Wright. In March 2023, Fatu received the University of Auckland’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

Cook Islands artist Tangaroa said the exhibition meant a lot to her.

When Feu’u visited Rarotonga in 2002, Tangaroa was director of the National Museum, overseeing the New Zealand Creative Artists and Residency Program in partnership with the Cook Islands Ministry of Culture.

“It’s an affirmation of the connections we have, whether it’s cultural, traditional or spiritual, which I think is important,” Tangaroa said of the upcoming exhibition, which will run until September 27, 2024.

“We’re often busy making work for galleries or showing overseas, but it doesn’t have the same meaning for me, so this means everything to me.”

When she began the work about three to four months ago, Tangaroa said their collaboration inspired her to create the colorful work she will display at the exhibition alongside Feu’u.

Tonight’s exhibition will feature nearly 20 works by Feu’u and Tangaroa, each with its own unique significance. The goal is to sell all of them.

According to Bergman Gallery, Aloa Alofa revisits an era, one of humble beginnings, optimism and great aspirations.

“The works in this exhibition are inspired by the friendships that have been formed during this time. We look forward to furthering our relationship, and our respective cultural and artistic connections.”

Air Rarotonga General Manager Ewan Smith will be the opening speaker for the event.