A new exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū explores the enduring significance of Pacific art by connecting historic tāoga (treasured objects) with contemporary practice.
Featuring 50 tāoga from Canterbury Museum alongside works by six contemporary artists, Made in the Pacific highlights the strength and evolution of Pacific art forms. The exhibition focuses in particular on tapa (barkcloth), known by different names across the Pacific, and showcases both finished works and the tools and techniques used to create them.
Curated by artist and hiapo maker Cora-Allan in collaboration with Canterbury Museum curator Hatesa Seumanutafa, the exhibition draws from a collection of around 300,000 Pacific objects. Some pieces date back to the late 19th century.
Cora-Allan emphasises the importance of linking past and present, bringing visibility to the knowledge and cultural histories embedded in traditional practices while highlighting artists working today.
The exhibition includes works by Serene Hodgman, Sue Pearson, Doron Riki-Semu, Pauline Reynolds, Louisa Afoa and Jimmy Ma’ia’i, spanning textiles, photography and contemporary interpretations of customary forms.
Christchurch Art Gallery Lead Curator Felicity Milburn describes the exhibition as a rare opportunity to present significan t tāoga, many of which have not previously been displayed in this way, and to celebrate the strong Pacific communities of Ōtautahi.
Made in the Pacific: A Collection of Tāoga runs from 28 March to 11 October 2026. A free opening talk with Cora-Allan and Hatesa Seumanutafa takes place on Saturday 28 March at 11am.
The exhibition is supported by Canterbury Museum.
