Painter/sculptor Fatu Feu’u, and dance group director Lemi Ponifasio have been honoured as Waitakere City arts laureates.
Both men were born in Samoa- Feu’u in the village of Poutasi in the district of Falealili and Ponifasio in the village of Lano.
They were honoured at a special function hosted by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and join an elite group (now numbering 16) of artists from different fields who have achieved international recognition.
Feu’u has established an international reputation as the “father” of Pacific art in New Zealand. He has held numerous exhibitions and has work in collections world-wide.
Ponifasio is the founder and artistic director of the contemporary dance group Mau, which has also toured extensively internationally, including to countries like Holland, England, Italy and Germany. Formed in 1995, the group takes its name from the Samoan independence movement.
“I was absolutely delighted and honoured to announce our newest Laureates who, like this city, display a unique verve and panache,” says Mayor Harvey.
“These outstanding individuals join an incredible talent bank of people who are internationally recognised.”
Also inducted this year were soprano Patricia Wright and painter Peter Siddell. One of the original laureates, inducted in 2006, was Pacific weaver Matafetu Smith.
The new laureates were chosen by the original 12 inductees after a number of nominations were considered. “They are treasured arts practitioners who will be asked to advise and guide the ‘city fathers’ in matters relating to the arts and culture of Waitakere,” Mayor Harvey says.
“This College of Laureates is made up of individuals who have demonstrated a ‘life in art’ and a commitment to their particular discipline. They have a deep commitment to Waitakere through their life and work and have documented peer recognition. To have their contribution acknowledged like this and in this way is the fulfilment of a long-held dream of mine.”
The announcements were made at a special cocktail function with cultural commentator Hamish Keith as the keynote speaker.
A special tribute was made to original inductee, Maori musician Mahinarangi Tocker who died just three days earlier.
“Mahinarangi was a flower and a very talented treasure and she will be sorely missed by this city,” says Mayor Harvey. “Her passing is a tragedy but she goes with much aroha.”
Waitakere’s other laureates are: Painter Don Binney, filmmaker Niki Caro, potter Len Castle, sculptor John Edgar, artist Graeme Gash, painter Lois McIvor, photographer Geoff Moon, glass artist Ann Robinson, writer Dick Scott, and writer C.K. Stead.
