Tongan urban art is gaining recognition internationally, thanks to the creative expressions of a small group of innovative local artists, whose work is currently on display at a "pop-up" art exhibition in central Nuku'alofa.

Urban art is new and surprising for many Tongans.

The exhibition launched last week, features a selection of work by the artists of The Seleka International Art Society Initiative. The small display is hosted by James and Angela Glover, from London, who said they wanted to share their love of art and asked the Seleka artists to create the work.

"Five artists did two pieces each using some traditional Tongan designs or designs that suit the theme ‘tattoo’ but interpreting it in their own individual and contemporary style," said Angela.

"We love their eye and interpretation of things. It’s so good to see a group moving away from the typical traditional art over here - which we also love. The Tongan heritage can be shown in many forms, it doesn’t have to be the traditional way all the time.

"We realise they are a bit ‘out there’ for the island but it’s important people see their work is beautiful and shows huge talent."

Angela who worked in advertising and James, a tattoo artist, said that after they started working in Tonga they were sad to realise that many children do not have the opportunity to do art at school.

"We hope that by hosting this exhibition we get more people to see them as credible artists and over the two weeks of the shop exhibiting for them that children and adults may come by and see what you can do with paints and computer generated imagery…and maybe try it themselves," she said.

The exhibition was launched with a function on Thursday evening where Taniela Petelo's painting titled "Photo Bomber" was among the first sales. Among the guests were collectors of urban art, and one said he will send pieces to Australia at the end of the exhibition. 

Co-founders of the Seleka initiative, Tevita Latu and Taniela Petelo have both taken up invitations as participating artists in creative workshops in New Zealand. Tevita has recently returned to Tonga after taking up an arts contract in Waikato where he was running creative workshops. He has been invited to exhibit in Adelaide, Australia, in association with the university, and also expects to take up an invitation to exhibit in Poland next year. His work is in demand. 

The Nuku'alofa exhibition will run for two weeks at the Happy Sailor Tattoo Tonga, in the Taumoepeau Building, opposite Talamahu Market. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome, said Angela.