Aiga Exhibition

“Aiga” showcases the trade and talent of five members of the Penisula family across three generations. Johnny, the most senior member of the family (aiga means family in Samoan) has a successful local, national and international career spanning decades.

He was the first Contemporary Pacific Island artist to exhibit in New Zealand in 1972 and the inaugural recipient of the Creative New Zealand Senior Pacific Arts Award in 2002. He received a New Zealand Order of Merit Award in 2009 for his outstanding contribution to art, in particular sculpture.

“Aiga” showcases the work of Johnny alongside that of his son Lyle, daughter Kerry and grandsons, Jordan and Caleb at Chiaroni Gallery.

Chiaroni - a gallery with heart, was first established by Greg McDonald’s great grandfather, Mansueto Chiaroni, in 1873 and now has been proudly ‘reopened’ by Greg, carrying on the family love of celebrating art, family and tradition.