Fafangu: to Awaken Adriana Māhanga Lear

Fafangu: to awaken re-vitalises and re-imagines Tongan concepts and practices of ongo (sound), relating to mate (death), putu (funeral rites), and fonua (people and place). The exhibition centres on the fangufangu, a bamboo nose-flute used to awaken chiefs and royalty from sleep in a practice called fakatakatofā. In Fafangu: to awaken, the artist engages this practice as a heliaki (metaphor) for the awakening of ancient knowledges and practices, by walking backwards into the future. Across photography, video, sculpture, print, installation, sound and music, Adriana interrogates the colonial archive to examine the legacies of Eurocentricism and heteropatriarchy on Tongan sonic and musical art forms.

Free activities and events Opening Event: Saturday 22 Feb, 11am
Join us for an artist talk and opening performances by Adriana Mãhanga Lear with local fangufangu artists Kautaha Ako Tafangufangu Tonga 'Atealoa and Saia Tuitahi

Fangufangu Making Workshop
Saturday 1 March, 11am - 2.30pm

We invite you to make your own fangufangu as part of a community memorial installation inside the gallery. Spaces are limited; please email the gallery to register.
Closing Event: Saturday 29 March, 11am

Join us for closing performances and talanoa with the artist and Sione Faletau.