Eye-catching art by Tongan artist [1]
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 20:57. Updated on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - 11:58.
By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
A Tongan-Kiwi artist, ‘Ahota’e’iloa Toetu’u (Loa), has installed new artwork in the Tanoa Dateline Hotel ballroom.
Loa’s craft is heavily inspired by Tongan traditions, culture, music and dance. For this particular piece, he incorporated the traditional Amoamo Kofe Kupesi design with modern colours inspired by the ocean to create a contemporary effect. The piece is a one of a kind in the Kingdom.
“By adding the hues and tones of blues and greens to me creates a wave pattern so for me it reminds me of the Moana (Ocean), which reflect tones of blues and the warm colours of the sun which reflects off it. Moana Loloto, which means a deep ocean which defers us as Tongans," he said.
Local artists Taniela Petelo, Poasi Kilioni and Kivaitupu Aluesi helped Loa finish the eye-catching mural just in time for 18 April. The artists spent a week painting, bringing Loa's vision to life.
‘Ahota’e’iloa Toetu’u (Loa) was born in 1976 and migrated with his family to New Zealand in 1979.
Being raised in New Zealand, Loa said that he developed a profound passion for art. He is now a successful art teacher at an Auckland High School.
Tonga has been Loa’s main source of inspiration when it comes to his craft. He also expressed the struggles and pressure from family expectations since his migration to New Zealand. Although the pressure was on him, Loa decided to follow his heart and create a career from doing what he loved.. He later graduated from University with a degree and started a family.
He shared a few words of encouragement for young and future artists in Tonga, “Trust your creativity, learn from your culture, look within and without yourself because, there is plenty inspiration all around you and in you.
“Utilize what we have in Tonga, I see a lot of artists working hard and also benefitting from their hard work,” he said.