We are delighted to host Tahitian master tapa-makers Hinatea Colombani and Moeava Meder who will travel to Aotearoa for this event courtesy of the Embassy of France Ambassade de France en Nouvelle-Zélande.

The co-founders of the ‘Arioi Cultural Centre, Colombani and Meder have dedicated their lives to working with tapa, perfecting their skills through books, observation and, above all, experimentation. They are autodidact practitioners whose method is marked by a full dedication to the complete process: planting, harvesting, making tools, beating the bark, preparing natural dyes, painting with natural tools, all the while pursuing literary and experimental research about tapa.

In this workshop Colombani and Meder will activate the gallery space, present an introduction to their tapa practice and Tahitian tapa making processes, followed by a practical demonstration and an opportunity for the audience to give it a go.

Colombani and Meder will be joined by Vaiei Tupuna curators Isaac Te Awa and Rosalie Koko.