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Ruha Fifita

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Ruha Fifita (born 1990 in Neiafu, Vava’u, Tonga) is a Tongan-New Zealand artist whose work spans multiple disciplines such as, a visual and performing artist, choreographer and cultural ambassador. Specialising in ngatu (painted tapa), Fifita's art is a blend of historical and contemporary iconography, weaving together patterns and references from the Pacific to Western Europe and the Middle East.[1] Her work, "Ko e Hala Hangatonu: The Straight Path," exemplifies this fusion, exploring themes of cultural identity and migration. Through her art, Fifita voices concerns about the impacts of climate change in the Pacific while advocating for a sustainable future.[2] Currently residing and working on Yugambeh Country in Logan City, Queensland.[3] Her contributions make her an important figure in both the contemporary and cultural world.

Career

Ruha Fifita is a multi-disciplinary, visual and performing artist, choreographer, cultural ambassador, born in 1990 in Neiafu, Vava’u, Tonga. She graduated with a degree in Creative Industries from the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane.[4]

Her artistic journey began at an early age when her grandmother introduced her to Ngatu, a traditional Tongan craft.[5]Her passion for art continued to grow, and a pivotal moment in Fifita's career came when she, crossed paths with contemporary Aotearoa artist Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa, Pāhekā) in 2010.[6] This encounter sparked a series of collaborations that propelled Fifita's work into galleries and festivals across Australasia and the Pacific. Together with White, she embarked on projects aimed at exploring themes of prayer, conservation, collaboration, reciprocity, diversity, and unity.[5]

Fifita's expertise lies in working with Ngatu, painted tapa, which has been showcased in venues such as the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia.[3] She advocates for increasing youth voices and fostering a continued link to indigenous culture, believing it to be one of the region’s greatest strengths.[7]

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Fifita co-founded ON THE SPOT Inc. (OTS) in 2006.[4] OTS is a community-based arts organisation aimed at engaging youth in creative projects aimed at contributing to the achievement of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals at the local level along with 52 Actions Project in 2022 sharing the process of testing a new design and different painting approaches as she worked to add to a series of existing designs titled ‘Ko e Ngoue Manongi (The Fragrant Garden)’.[8]

Fifita's collaborative projects extend beyond her artistic practice. In partnership with Sheida Vazir-Zadeh, she co-leads the artist collective Ivi,[9] which focuses on utilizing collective Indigenous arts practices to support community-building efforts. Their work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Seoul Museum of Art, Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.[3]

Fifita's art is deeply rooted in her exploration of spirituality, youth empowerment, and the role of artists in advancing civilization. She continues to push boundaries and explore new ideas, drawing from her diverse cultural and spiritual background.[10]

As a testament to her impact and influence in the arts community, Fifita was selected as a delegate for the 2022 Australia Council Biennale Delegates Program, set up to focus on unpacking different Biennale engagement approaches within an Australian and regional context.[11]

List of selected exhibitions

1. [12] "Ko e Hala Hangatonu: The Straight Path" by Robin White and Ruha Fifita:

This piece of work also includes "‘I he 'api o 'eku Tamai/ In My Father’s House".

   - Shown at Pātaka Art + Museum on December 7, 2014.

   - Also exhibited at the Auckland Art Festival, Pataka Art Gallery, The National Gallery of Victoria, and the Tjibaou Cultural Centre.[10]

2. [13] "We are the Small Axe" by Robin White and Ruha Fifita: - 2015

   - Purchased in 2019 by Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

3. [8] ‘Ko e Ngoue Manongi (The Fragrant Garden)" - 52 Actions Project

   - Installation views at Penrith Regional Gallery, Sydney; Wangaratta Art Gallery, Wangaratta; and Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, 2022.

4. [14] "Wise men fish here" - McLeavy gallery, October 9, 2014

5. [15] "Siu i Moana: Reaching Across the Ocean" exhibited at NGV International, Melbourne, June 10, 2016.

6. [16]"OFO HAKE: KOE NGATU TEUTEU 'O 'AKESA MO 'ISILELI FIFITA" - UNSW Galleries, January 17, 2020

7. [9] "UN/LEARNING AUSTRALIA"  - Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul (2021–22).

8. [9] "Another Energy", Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2021).

9. [17] "Te Au: Liquid Constituencies" - at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, December 3, 2022.

10. [18] "Ala Hagatonu, Always Song in the Water" - 2023 exhibition inspired by Gregory O'Brien's book, with Ruha Fifita choreographing, exploring the oceanic environment of Aotearoa.

References

  1. ^ Norman, Emily (2015-09-01). "Artists walk Straight Path together". NZ Herald.
  2. ^ Lam, Charlotte (2020-02-11). "The art movement sparking conversations about climate change and the Pacific Islands". SBS News.
  3. ^ a b c "Ivi - Yugambeh Country, Logan City, Queensland". The National 4. 2023. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  4. ^ a b "Illumine – Art and Performance Ruha Fifita". Be Illumined. 2017-08-13.
  5. ^ a b Toloui-Wallace, Shadi (2018-05-16). "Ruha Fifita and the Unifying Tongan Art Form called Ngatu". Bahai Teachings.
  6. ^ "Te Papa and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki launch retrospective of celebrated Aotearoa artist Dame Robin White". Auckland For Kids. June 2022. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  7. ^ "Ruha Fifita: celebrating the Pacific Islands' indigenous culture". World Bank. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  8. ^ a b "Ruha Fifita". Art Space. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  9. ^ a b c "Ivi: Kato Kakala (2022–23)". MCA. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  10. ^ a b "Ruha Fifita". 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  11. ^ "Biennale Delegates Program Participants". Creative Australia. 2022. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  12. ^ "Exhibition: Ko e Hala Hangatonu: The Straight Path". Pātaka. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  13. ^ "We are the Small Axe by Robin White and Ruha Fifita". Christchurch Art Gallery. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  14. ^ "Wise Men Fish Here". McLeavey Gallery. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  15. ^ "SIU I MOANA: REACHING ACROSS THE OCEAN". National Gallery of Victoria. 2016-05-11. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  16. ^ "OFO HAKE: KOE NGATU TEUTEU 'O 'AKESA MO 'ISILELI FIFITA". University of New South Wales. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  17. ^ "Te Au: Liquid Constituencies". Govett Brewster. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  18. ^ "Always Song in the Water". Maritime Museum. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
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