For the exhibition project, Solesolevaki, made for Tautai Gallery in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, Kaliopate Tavola’s granddaughter, Tiana Carling, made a series of collage artworks in response to three Reflections published here on kaidravuni.com

The collage artworks were Tiana’s way of interpreting and connecting with her Tutu (grandfather) and his memories of childhood, weaving together her own memories and relationship with the natural world and her upbringing in Suva, Fiji.

Here, Tiana discusses her process alongside her finished artworks.

The process of creating this series of works was birthed through my love of collage, the meticulous craft of searching through printed material for pieces that come together to create something more than its parts: the rebirth of new from the old.

When presented with 15 of Tutu’s short reflective essays in order to create a response, I was faced with a collection of powerful pieces of writing, so personal and endearing. Vivid reflections of pivotal moments in my Tutu’s life invoked such strong feelings of connection within me, not just to him but to those who raised him, our ancestors and our village. As I read and re-read them, images began to form in my head and I began to visualise the works that I wanted to create.

Straight away, “Loneliness: A Means To Aloneness” stood out to me. It really spoke to my deep understanding and comfort that I have found in being alone in nature. Like finding the connection to yourself through the world around you. As I read this piece, a vivid mangrove scene began to materialise itself, a dreamscape of unusual fish and layers upon layers of vines and entangled roots appeared surrounding a little boy fishing. This mammoth collage ended up being comprised of over 70 individual pieces, easily the most complex collage I have ever made. To me, this work taps into the obscurity of daydreaming during monotonous tasks and the peaceful solitude only achieved within aloneness.

“An Early Premonition” was another reflection that inspired me. The spine-tingling feeling of “you have been warned” and the deep knowing that your ancestors are watching over you in a moment when it mattered the most. Children toying with danger, providing a brief look into a possible accident and making the choice to listen. It’s a story that is so telling of Tutu’s character and good nature. The work created offers an interesting perspective and depth, framed by uto (breadfruit) leaves (sourced from my mother’s painting, “Bulou”) reminded me so much of home. Specifically, my grandparent’s garden in Fiji where I spent so much of my childhood. The symmetry of this piece symbolises the balance of the light and dark, and the fun, playful nature contrasting with the idea of falling to your death.

Inspired by the reflection, “Night Fishing: Was it a case of Red Sun at night, Sailor’s Delight?“, the work I titled, “Sailors Delight”, was the easiest piece that came together. A breath of fresh air and simplicity compared to the other two works. I reflected on my experience sailing on board the Uto Ni Yalo to Beqa on a clear night. The moon was full and was casting a beautiful light on the ocean around us. Similar to the feeling described in Tutu’s reflection, I felt an overwhelming feeling of bliss, and incredible wonder at the illumination of the ocean. I wanted to capture that in this piece with the simple arrangement and warm, bright colours. Creating this, I ruminated on the feeling of connection to ancient wayfinding and ocean-going, the connection to your island and the idea of returning home to your village through your ancestral knowledge.

To have these works created in the form of tea towels references the idyllic picture of laundry hanging on the washing line in the village, and the beauty in useful things. I like the idea of the careful and fragile nature of a paper collage being transformed into something that can be used and worn down over time. I like that they symbolise a way for art to find its place within day-to-day life, becoming domestic, handled, useful.

Being a part of this project has been such an enriching and wonderful experience. As an artist, I feel like I’ve really pushed myself to create these three works. I now hold even closer these reflections written by Tutu, their stories and lessons now so familiar to me. Creating these works based off what resonates with me is such a personal and vulnerable expression, bringing me into closer connection with Tutu’s character and upbringing. These works incorporate pieces from other works in this exhibition, photos from the village in Dravuni and other miscellaneous collections that I have gathered over the years. These references are intentional and touch on the nature of solesolevaki, to work together intergenerationally, connecting shared experiences and creating a piece that is bigger than the sum of its parts.

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