A sculptural response

On a drizzly Tuesday evening local artist Eruera Nia exhibited works supporting the thesis for his Masters Degree at his Inanui Gallery in Avarua.
The thesis for his degree from AUT in New Zealand was “Are Korero.”
The exhibition is the culmination of two years of hard work under AUT tutors based at the USP in Takamoa.
In this exhibition Nia’s works demonstrate how lashings evoke a sculptural and structural response.
Proceedings opened at 6.45pm with Rutera Taripo of the Ministry of Cultural Development playing a nose flute.
Nia welcomed his guests and fellow artists. He thanked everyone who had helped him. He mentioned the “intellectual people,” Mike Tavioni, Rutera Taripo, Makiuti Tongia, his teachers, Prestige Furniture, CITC and his fellow students. Nia lamented that he was the only male to finish the course and was dismayed that Mike Tavioni did not complete the second year.
Nia said he chose Are Korero as his thesis as his tribe had its problems and an inability to discuss its history and traditions properly. He spoke of the difficult task he had in researching the 36 title holders in the Te Au O Tonga Tribe. He spoke of the knowledge of lashings imparted to him by the renowned Tongan artist Philipe Tohi and the importance of not making a single mistake. He explained the significance behind the lashings on display and the purpose and special duty of the Toa.
Nia then called upon his compatriot the great carver Mike Tavioni to say a few words. Nia said by Tavioni’s presence, his work was finished.
Resplendent in his Crocodile Dundee hat, Tavioni recounted his past as a teacher of art at USP where he taught screen printing and carving for the princely sum of $1 an hour rising years later to $5 an hour. He asked what a degree was for and if it meant higher pay-that was good. He said he loved teaching but hated being underpaid. Tavioni completed the first year of the two year Masters course and gained a Diploma. He thanked his teachers who he said had been a big help. He called on those present to support the arts.
Indeed there were a number of the nation’s top artists present to support Nia’s showing. There was Judith Kunzle, Maria File, Joan Rolls, Andrea Eimke, Ani O’Neil, Loretta Reynolds, Ian and Kay George, Mike and Awhitia Tavioni.
Among the guests were the Prime Minister Hon Jim Marurai, Tiana Meyer, Kay Whitta, Veronica (from Germany), Wendy Evans, Ani O’Neil’s husband, tattooist Croc who did a great job dispensing drinks and Linda Wichman to mention a few.
The exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday onwards.