Telling the stories of the past

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

21 March 2007

Telling the stories of the past

The well-known Pua family of Grey Lynn – who include members from Kiwi bands Nesian Mystik, Chook Peas and accomplished artists and writers - celebrate their Samoan ancestry and culture in Ma’afa’amanatu, a memorial arts project showing at Artstation from 2 to 13 April.

Ma’afa’amanatu combines visual art, poetry, hip-hop and story telling, and promises to be a spectacular showcase of collective family talent and creativity.

Ma’afa’amanatu is the Samoan word for memorial. It reflects Samoan faith and cultural practices, which honour parents as treasured ancestors. In Ma’afa’amanatu the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of lay ministers Jessie Vaitulu Purcell and Sofi Pua commemorate the 20th anniversary of their passing away.

By combining art and faith, the commemorative project brings a new perspective to the traditional Samoan cultural practice of honouring family.

“It is about faith, culture, and the art of being family whilst telling our story. A human story about hope,” says Mr Sofi Ulugia-Pua.

Each member of the Pua family brings their unique artistic contribution to the memorial arts project. Some read poetry, while others present hip-hop evenings or exhibit new art works for the project.

All Ma’afa’amanatu events are free and open to the public.

ENDS

Note to editors

Ma’afa’amanatu memorial arts project exhibition information:

- Artists: Pua family

- Exhibition: 2-13 April 2007

- Launch: 7pm to 8pm, Monday 2 April

- Poetry and hip-hop: 8pm to 10pm, Monday 2nd April

- Alternative education easter service: 12pm to 1pm, Thursday 5 April

- Easter service: 1pm to 2pm, Sunday 8 April

- Multimedia evening: Telling our Stories - 7pm to 10pm, Monday 9 April

Artstation, Auckland City’s community visual arts facility, is located at the old police barracks at 1 Ponsonby Road, Newton. It is easy to get to by public transport with the Link’s Artstation bus stop right outside.

www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/artstation
Artstation gallery hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday 10am to 4pm

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