A’oga Hutt, Common Ground Arts Festival, Lower Hutt, Wellington, March 2015

In her work A’oga Hutt artist Lana Lopesi encourages people to connect with the Pacific community in Lower Hutt. Through talanoa (conversation) and sharing knowledge, A’oga Hutt hopes to share Pacific culture in an open and inclusive way.

The Pacific history in New Zealand is a hidden history, hidden from both historical literature and our young people. Exploring the common ground between art and pedagogy, or teaching, it will reconnect young people in the area with their histories.

This project will take the form of a reading room installation, a hub for learning. There will be a reading table of pacific literature and time-based work by Pacific artists. There will be a range of activities during the week—come and be part of it!

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Lana Lopesi is an Auckland based artist who is interested in art’s ability to connect to its community. Her concern for direct connection with audiences has resulted in a diverse approach to making and exhibiting.

Lana explores lost histories of the Pacific. By focusing her work on people’s personal histories, she encourages other Pacific people to locate themselves within wider cultural histories.

Lana completed her Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons) from The University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Art in 2013. As well as co-hosting the website #500words, her writing is published on forums such as EyeContact and Circuit and #firstworldproblems: Post Tertiary Depression, Artspace. Her design portfolio includes publications for Artspace Tautai Writing Workshop and Tau Tupua: The Spirits at Fresh Gallery Otara.

Events
Drop in anytime for a range of activities including: Making your own revolutionary poster—suitable for all ages. #Islandtime: Watch timebased work by Louisa Afoa, Sione Faletau, Jeremy Leatinu’u, Janet Lilo, Atapana Meleisea and Cora Allan Wickliffe.
Polynesian Panther Documentary Screening Tues 3 March, 5.30pm
Coffee with Lana Thurs 5 March, 10–5pm: Drop in during the day for a coffee and chat with the artist Lana Lopesi
Pacific Island feast and performances Sat 7 March, noon: Performances from three Wellington-based Pacific artists: Darcell Apelu, Leafa Wilson aka Olga Krause and Faith Wilson.