Tivaevae - Matisse Replicas

My personal practice is an expression of my Design training and my cultural heritage this work is diverse and changes as my skills and interests grow. I sew Tivaevae because I love it and to practice and improve my skills. I am always learning from other women practitioners around me and have exhibited these works in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Australia.

Matisse Replicas
An ongoing project where I sew replicas of Matisse's paper cutouts that were inspired by the Tifaifai he saw during his time in Tahiti. This project is an act of reclamation. I draw influence from Matisse, who was inspired by the work of talented female, Polynesian Tifaifai practitioners who remain nameless and faceless alongside his work. The act of cutting fabric and sewing this work together is my way of returning it to a Pacific-space. These works, visually recognisable by Matisse's hand, become Tivaevae made by a Polynesian woman once again.