TIP - Samoan Art

Please think twice before buying art from artist Pene Horu,who runs the studio 'Beautiful Expression of Nature'.

A few years ago, Norma Lindsey's grandson came to Samoa (I think at the artist's invitation) with art equipment, materials and money to set up art classes in Samoan schools and develop the talents of Samoan artists.

Soon after, the artist stole the equipment and materials for his own use and tried to have the grandson deported. It was only with intervention and protection from Samoan locals that the grandson was not deported and was allowed to retrieve his things. From what I can gather, the art classes in schools didn't go ahead because of this artist.

This is quite a shame, because I'm sure that the Samoans would be able to produce beautiful art, but there's not much there at all.

It's also a huge slur on what I found was a beautiful, welcoming and dependable people.

The Tiapapata Art Centre, run by Wendy Percival for many many years, provides art and pottery classes to children, including school children. The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese, is a patron of the Tiapapata Art Centre. There is not a great art scene in Samoa largely because traditional art is in weaving pandanus, making siapa (tapa) and printing on it, dancing and singing, woodcarving and storytelling. The Art Centre holds annual exhibitions which include art from Samoans as well as palangis. Prints, fabrics handprinted from woodblocks, drawings and carvings are on sale from the gallery. The new gallery (the last one sadly burned down) is immediately above the B'ahai Temple on the cross-island road.

Does this artist teach or is he an independent artist? I am curious to know more about him?