Two Solos

The collaboration between artist and curator is in its purest form in the development of solo shows. I've had the absolute privilege of holding space for numerous solo exhibitions in my career and it is such a joy to see ideas grow and develop, and artists lean in to working in bold and experimental ways.

This project involves working with two South Auckland-based visual artists: Genevieve Pini and Niu Lemalu, to develop solo exhibition projects for Vunilagi Vou in 2023. The process will involve talanoa, critique, skill sharing, making and experimenting with hands-on, ongoing support, mentoring and guidance. Developing solo projects with fellow indigenous Moana artists supports a practice-based research framework for indigenous curating. It is people-centred, privileging the time-space for talanoa, and draws on what the artist brings to the table holistically: artistically, ancestrally and spiritually, socially and politically.

The development phase embeds the artist in a community of practice, enabling them to visualise their voice and their work in a context of Moana makers, thinkers, change-making and leadership. This process involves meetings with other artists, studio and gallery visits, talanoa and breaking bread. This project will fund Vunilagi Vou to hold space for the development of both solo projects, and both artists. The project budget supports artist fees, material costs, exhibition and presentation costs, a contribution to Vunilagi Vou overheads, and any collaborations with other creatives.

The investment will enable two artists to realise solo projects from development to presentation in an environment that is culturally safe, supported and unrestricted from institutional agendas. Throughout the process, Vunilagi Vou will provide a platform to share insights to the artists and their ideas, building a public profile that supports the potential of a solo exhibition to springboard an artist into wider opportunities and career trajectories.

Come along for the ride!