Fresh off from his successful solo exhibition in New York last month, renowned Niuean Artist John Pule held an exhibition last Tuesday as part of the calendar of events for the 50th Anniversary celebration.
BCN News spoke with Pule who said there were about 7 art pieces of his work on display at the old Fale Fono Foyer with a focus on Hiapo that have deep connections to Niue with the theme “Ata meaning Tree”
He added that back in the days the Hiapo played an important aspect in everyday life of a Niuean from wrapping the body up in death rituals, wearing it as part of a hat and for trade but has now disappeared.
“But why, because people can’t make the effort because when they made hiapo in those days we are talking about a two square meter, a size of a canvas, can you imagine the hard work going into making a little piece and to extend it to make more its a lot of work,” he added
Pule says this is the reason why it has disappeared because it takes a lot of effort to make this tagoa treasures.
People turned up at the Fale Fono foyer last Tuesday to view his pieces and thanked everyone for supporting his art exhibition.
His advice to any young person who might want to pursue a career in the art sector is that only you can do it and no one else can so follow your passion and purpose.
