Filipe Tohi’s intriguing artwork draws inspiration from Tonga's ancient engineers [1]
Friday, January 18, 2019 - 19:16. Updated on Friday, January 18, 2019 - 19:19.
By Eleanor Gee
Prominent Tongan artist, Filipe Tohi, discovered hidden layers in the traditional lalava or lashing method used by ancient Tongans, and last night he revealed the intriguing system of construction that underpins his artwork, in a presentation held at the Tanoa Hotel, Nuku'alofa.
He is the only Tongan artist to have studied the traditional lalava method in depth. While dissecting the layers, he found patterns and infinite forms emerging such as bird figures or crosses, as well as a hidden language. In the process Filipe created his own contemporary ‘lalavaometry’ art which has been displayed around the world.
“There are so many forms buried inside the layers and I have exposed them in my work.
“The Tongans who came up with this method were engineers,” he said.
Filipe said Tongans used the lalava method to hold together items such as housing beams/frames and canoes, because there were no nails or braces to keep things in place in the old days.
Filipe has used stone, wood and paintings to show the beautiful different patterns of the lalava method. He has also used ‘kulasi’ (string of wool) because kafa is not available in New Zealand, to weave the lalava patterns onto a board of nails.
The colours of the patterns and layers uncovers the complex system used in lalava, where the different types of lalava methods reveals different patterns.
He said there are other Tongan arts and crafts that also have layers, such as the Tongan ‘kafa’, a waist belt worn over a ta’ovala and made out of coconut fibre. It also has “a meaning that is buried inside”.
Filipe has transferred his knowledge of lalava designs to the computer and uses this form to teach the younger generation.
“It’s easier to teach the youth using the computer because it is faster than drawing or making an art board. These days, youth have a short attention span.”
He stressed it is important to keep and understand Tongan traditional works and art and that this knowledge should be passed on to future generations.
Background
Filipe grew up in Ngeleia, Tongatapu and as a child was always drawing.
“At school, my papalangi teacher saw that I had a gift and encouraged me to pursue it.”
“Art is very important to me as it enabled me to go to New Zealand.”
He immigrated to New Zealand in 1978 and attended the Rangimarie Arts and Crafts Centre where he was nurtured and encouraged to continue to pursue art, even though his English was not great. He eventually instructed many students during his time there.
Since carving his first commission for the New Zealand Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1987, he has continuously worked around the world and has been a full-time artist since 1990.
In Samoa, he was bestowed with a title, Sopolemalama by the former Head of State Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Tufuga Efi, after he was commissioned to use the traditional lalava method on a building.
In Tonga, Filipe also worked on the Faonelua Centre using the traditional lalava method.
Regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading Polynesian artists, his work is in demand around the world.
He has been part of exhibitions in many countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Lithuania, USA, and Japan. He also has public sculptures around the world and has work displayed in museums.
Filipe is a stone mason, carver, painter, and master craftsman of the traditional art of lalava.