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REFLECTION ON RENA – AN ART PERFORMANCE Award winning artist Kalisolaite 'Uhila is performing a free piece in Tauranga, inspired by the Rena oil spill

Friday 18 May 2012, 8:23AM

By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

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BAY OF PLENTY

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is hosting a performance next Thursday by Tongan artist Kalisolaite ‘Uhila. ‘Uhila was inspired by the events of the Rena oil spill and has developed a  performance that considers how this has impacted on the local community, both environmentally and economically.

Describing his work, ‘Uhila says: “It will enforce the idea that the tragedies occurring in our country extend beyond media and, like the remains of my work, will be left on our streets and doorsteps forcing us to acknowledge its presence. The remnants of my performance will act as an installation piece that serves as a reminder of the recent tragedy.”

As a Pacific Island artist living in Auckland ‘Uhila’s work often uses daily routines and everyday objects as inspiration and emphasises his own unique perspective of identifying with both the Polynesian and Western cultures. “As an artist I draw my inspiration from my personal experiences and the experiences of the place in which I perform,” explains ‘Uhila.

Earlier works have involved ‘Uhila living in a shipping container with a pig called ‘Colonist’ during which time he observed and mimicked the pig’s behaviours. More recently ‘Uhila spent two weeks living homeless outside Te Tuhi gallery, Pakuranga, relying only on the generosity of strangers and the local food bank.

Kalisolaite ‘Uhila will be performing at the main quad, outside the Polytechnic’s library, at the Windermere campus, 1:30pm Thursday 24th May 2012, followed by an artist talk. This is a free event and is open to the public. For more information, contact Tiffany Newrick on 0800 BOP POLY.