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Visible (and Invisible) Voices
Wellesley St E, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Visible Voices presents a Tongan lens on John Webber drawings (takohi) and images ('ata) of early European contact with Tonga (c. 1784).
They are excited to host a research presentation by Hūfanga Dr ‘Ōkusitino Māhina followed by a panel discussion in response to his learnings and findings.
The panel will be facilitated by their Learning and Outreach Programme and Visible Voices Project Manager, Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi and includes: Senior Curator New Zealand and Pacific Art, Ron Brownson; Fakakaukau / Fakamaau Koloa – Thinking / Collating Tongan Treasures, Hikule‘o Fe’ao-moe-Ako Melaia Māhina and Lagi Maama Consultants, Toluma‘anave Barbara Makuati-Afitu and Kolokesa U. Māhina-Tuai.
This talanoa 'uhinga critically looks into the drawings (takohi) and images ('ata) by Captain James Cook's expedition artist John Webber during the early contact with Europe around 1784. As a tāvāist critique, these takohi and 'ata will be explored through a Tongan lens; Tongan ways of knowing and of doing, and relating to: what is art, what is art for and what does art mean?
The presentation will be followed by a Talanoa (talking critically yet harmoniously) by Hūfanga and the panellists and will finish with a Q&A with the audience.