THE RAT AND THE OCTOPUS

Samuel Tupou

8th February - 29th March 2008 | CCAS Gorman

Tapa is the Tahitian word for the bark cloth, common to Polynesian and Melanesian societies, that was introduced to the rest of the world in the eighteenth century by Captain Cook (himself). Often inscribed with geometric patterns and motifs, in Tonga where it is called ngatu it still holds considerable cultural significance being given as gifts or used at the ceremonies marking life's milestones. It is fitting therefore that tapa forms the basis of nearly all Samuel Tupou's works as he uses its familiar designs to explore the chasm between traditional Tongan customs and life in the fast lane of the information superhighway. Visually backgrounded and conceptually foregrounded tapa provides a constant through which he contrasts and attempts to reconcile aspects of his Tongan heritage with his experience of Australia today. (David Broker, 2008)

Image: Samuel Tupou, The Landing, 2007, silkscreen on high density PVC and acrylic