Lei in Contemporary Pacific Cultural Practice

In search of lei (garlands) for inclusion in Art of the Pacific 26 March – 21 August 2016, an exciting collection display showcasing the amazing arts and diverse cultures of the Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, Simone LeAmon NGV Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture travelled to New Zealand, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji in December 2015. Culminating in twentyfive works made by customary and contemporary artists and makers the collection provides compelling insight into the lei in contemporary Pacific cultural practice.

Featuring works by Fran Alison, Mary Ama, Chris Charteris, Tanya Edwards, Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows, Tui Emma Gillies, Leanne Joy Lupelele Clayton, Novima Kapente, Niki Hastings McFall, Ross Malcolm, Pele Family, Alan Preston, Emily Siddell, Lu’isa Unga Kaufusi, Lesieli Katokakala Tohi Topou, Mele Tu’ahiva.