The Talotaloga Hope Exhibition
On Thursday 7 September 2023 the Manamea Studio and Gallery was abuzz with excited artists and proud friends and family members as VAOSA (the Visual Artists of Samoa Association) held their first group exhibition. The exhibition opened on September 7 and closed on September 21 this week.
Eighteen members of VAOSA and invited guest artists presented works based on the theme of “Talotaloga–Hope”. Responses were varied but generally, the theme was interpreted as hope for the future, hope for educational and personal success, hope for motherhood, hope for cultural integrity, hope for maintenance of identity in a rapidly changing world, hope that traditions will not be lost, hope for the end of community violence against women and children, hope for the environment.
Vaosa was registered in 2023 so is a very new association, but their dreams are big, and this exhibition is already promoting their vision for developing community awareness, promoting an appreciation of visual arts and artists in society, and encouraging connections and dialogue between visual artists and the wider community. The exhibition Talotaloga–Hope has started the dialogue at the opening event and continues it with school visits from Chanel College, Brown Girls Woke, and local primary and secondary schools.
Encouraging children’s imaginations through workshops is an effective way of mentoring students and enabling them to tap into their feelings and creativity. Many students may lack the confidence to discuss certain personal and social concerns and hopes. By using art materials and their imagination students discover a new and non-judgemental visual language through which they can channel their thoughts and emotions.
In the second week of the exhibition, the gallery was alive with activities with Monday 18 September being the time when artists held talk sessions from 6 to 8 pm. From Tuesday to Thursday (September 19-21) this week the VAOSA members held three workshops for primary, secondary students as well as and young people working for Brown Girls Matter.
• Dr. Vanya Taule'alo has lived over 40 years in Samoa where she is an artist, and educator, and has written widely on Samoan and Pacific art.