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ROPATI AH CHONG – PACIFIC ART EXHIBITION |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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Ropati Ah Chong’s first ever exhibition was held at Mangere Community
Arts Centre, a 3 year labor of love featuring 16 pieces of contemporary
pacific art. “Searching for my culture through closed eyes,” is about
my experience of growing up in New Zealand and the influence of culture
and religion,” Ropati said.
As a second generation Samoan and having done the circuit of churches,
Ropati said that he had seen how the demands of culture and church have
impacted upon families and was somewhat disillusioned by this. “It’s
just one of those things...I’ve seen families always giving to the
church...it's a common thing. For myself, I still want to learn about
my culture.. about being Samoan. But I struggle with the demands of
culture and religion about giving money to the church when your
cupboards are bare. That’s not right.”
“Root of all evil” attracted much interest from the public because “I’m
sure many can relate to the message as they know that many times they
are at the bottom of the list when it comes to balancing the family
budget. Many second generation Samoans are challenging the practice of
tithing to the church and as a result are turning away from the church.
Ropati went on to
say that he was trying “to convey the message that Samoans are blind or
have their eyes closed to what’s really going on around them. We need
to be asking questions. It’s that clash of values.. That’s what I
wanted to express in my paintings...poverty of our people, etc...This
is just a personal expression...I’m still proud to be Samoan...it’s
just the way I think. The message in most of my art work is just trying
to be a Samoan in this western culture.”
Art experts and others have
commented that the price range for his art work was too low in
comparison to other Pacific art out there. “I’ve never really done it
to sell my art”, Ropati said, "but the extra income does help for the
faalavelaves”, he laughs.
Ropati’s next project is to do portraits of Polynesian women.
“Polynesian women are some of the most beautiful women in the world.
They have endured so much and their strength and courage is an
inspiration to all.”
Ropati has been painting since his school days at Manurewa High School.
He was
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Ropati Ah Chong, his Pacific Art Exhibition "Searching for
closed eyes for my culture” in Auckland. |
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Public admiring art work at "Searching for closed eyes for my
culture" art exhibition of Ropati Ah Chong, Mangere Community
Arts Gallery. |
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‘Uncultured Mannerisms’ painting; "Searching for closed eyes for
my culture" art exhibition of Ropati Ah Chong, Mangere Community
Arts Gallery. |
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second in Art in the whole of New Zealand 1988 Bursary
examinations. He wanted to complete studies in Visual Arts however due
to demands at home and his wish to help out his parents he opted for
his current employment as a Graphic Artist. His passion however for his
art motivates him to spend any spare time he has on his paintings. “A
long term goal is to be a full time artist like Fatu Feu’u,” he said.
Ropati plans to hold an exhibition of his work at Maota Samoa Gallery
and other venues in the near future.
For further information and details contact Ropati on 263 5454 or 021
263 9319,
or email:
palisi_48@hotmail.com.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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