Beyond essentialism: Contemporary Moana art from Aotearoa

Abstract

Lopesi explores the heterogeneous nature of Moana contemporary art through a discussion of recent works by artists Natasha Matila-Smith, Janet Lilo and Edith Amituanai. Speaks to the affect of imperialism on Moana peoples and cultures, and decolonisation efforts including the struggle to assert and reclaim humanity. Discusses a number of installation works by Matila-Smith and Lilo relating to urban and digital spaces, and Amituanai's documentation of Samoan transnational domestic interiors and work with Ranui Action Project. Mentions Lisa Reihana's work 'in Pursuit of Venus [infected]' and The British Library exhibitions 'James Cook: The Voyages' (2018) and 'Oceania' (2018).