“Preserving their family’s ancestral skill through the sacred ritual of tapa making”
Revolutionising the Ancient Art of Tapa Making
Discover the extraordinary world of Sulieti Fieme'a Burrows and Tui Emma Gillies, a Tongan-New Zealand mother-daughter duo revolutionising the ancient art of tapa making. Their innovative approach blends traditional techniques with contemporary themes, creating highly sought-after pieces that captivate Art enthusiasts worldwide.
Sulieti and Tui are passionate guardians of their Tongan heritage, dedicated to preserving the sacred ritual of tapa making. This ancestral skill, passed down through generations, forms the foundation of their unique artistic expression. The duo's hybrid style transforms traditional tapa cloth, or ngatu, into a powerful medium for contemporary storytelling. Using vibrant colour pigments, they breathe new life into age-old designs, while modern themes of femininity, protection, spirituality and healing infuse their work.
Each artwork is rooted in authentic Tongan culture and traditions, ethically created while preserving and honouring ancestral techniques. ! testament to the enduring power of Indigenous art forms. Tui and Sulieti’s work has been exhibited internationally and is highly coveted by collectors and institutions around the world. Their combined creative efforts continue to elevate the appreciation of the art of Tāngata o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (Indigenous peoples of the Pacific).
Committed to the survival of tapa making, Sulieti and Tui actively pass their knowledge to the next generation, ensuring this sacred artform continues to thrive and evolve.
Experience the fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary vision through the extraordinary tapa art of this mother-daughter duo.
Artist Origins
| Ethnicity | Tongan |
|---|---|
| Tribe/Iwi |