Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi: Pacific Art Pioneer

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11 months ago

Artistic representation for Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi: Pacific Art Pioneer

Pacific Art Pioneer
Filipe Tohi, a master craftsman of lalavaometry, is renowned for his innovative works that incorporate Pacific Island and Māori iconography. His passion for traditional Pan-Pacific lashing techniques, known as lalava, extends far beyond its visual appeal. As a pioneer in the field of Pacific art, Mr Tohi has transformed this ancient form of lashing into an abstract language that conveys cultural history, knowledge and identity. **The Significance of Lalavaometry**
Mr Tohi’s work explores the intricate geometry of lalava, which represents a philosophy of balance in daily life and symbolises connections to cultural memory. In his own words, lalava patterns advocate balance in daily living and are metaphorical and physical ties to cultural knowledge. “I have identified a visual language within the lalava that was not only used by our ancestors for voyaging, but it communicated principles of cultural knowledge and history. For me the sennit patterns of the Pacific convey our memories and experiences, as well as carry us from place to place.”
The Significance of Lalavaometry
Mr Tohi’s mastery of traditional Pan-Pacific lashing techniques, known as lalava, and his contemporary reinterpretation of these patterns, have made him a pioneer in the field of Pacific art. His works have been featured in major public collections such as the Auckland Art Gallery and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. **A Global Ambassador for Pacific Culture**
Mr Tohi’s international stature has grown steadily since his early years as an artist. He has held numerous solo exhibitions, including notable shows at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth and the Tjibaou Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia. His sculptures have been commissioned for prestigious public sites, including the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawai’i, the Wan Solara Pasifika Section at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University in Wellington, and the Te Auaunga Awa Outdoor Learning Classroom in Auckland. Table 1: Major Exhibitions and Public Collections
| Exhibition/Public Collection | Year | Location |
| — | — | — |
| Auckland Art Gallery | | Auckland |
| Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | | New Plymouth |
| Tjibaou Centre | | Noumea, New Caledonia |
| Polynesian Cultural Centre | | Hawai’i |
| Wan Solara Pasifika Section | | Te Herenga Waka Victoria University, Wellington |
| Te Auaunga Awa Outdoor Learning Classroom | | Auckland |
International Recognition
Mr Tohi’s work has been featured in high-profile exhibitions such as the Biennale D’art Contemporain in France and the Asia Pacific Triennial in Brisbane. He has participated in numerous international residencies and cultural initiatives, including as the Pacific Heritage Artist in Residence at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland. Dr. Dean Peterson, Director of Collections and Research at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, praises Mr Tohi’s active and generous support of others in the contemporary arts community. “An honorary degree from Massey University will recognise Filipe’s outstanding record of achievement, his pursuit of deep cultural knowledge and his generous sharing of this knowledge with other Pacific peoples and the wider world.”
Awards and Honours
Mr Tohi has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Creative New Zealand Senior Pacific Artist Award in 2009.

“Filipe’s dedication to his craft and contributions to the art community make him a truly fitting candidate for this prestigious honour. His work embodies the values of creativity, cultural preservation and innovation, which align perfectly with Massey University’s mission and values.”

— Soana Pomaka, Principal of Tāmaki College
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Tribute
Te Whanganui-a-Tara people are proud to have a notable Pacific artist like Mr Tohi in their midst. Professor Palatasa Havea, Dean Pacific, says that Mr Tohi is highly respected in the international creative art community. “It was a delight to have a worthy nominee for this award. Mr Tohi is highly respected in the international creative art community. People see and admire his work in many cities in New Zealand, throughout the Pacific, and beyond.”
Massey University honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals of distinction who have made a significant contribution to the university, the nation or the public. Prestigious Honours
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University has awarded Mr Tohi an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding achievements. “Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi possesses a very special kind of talent – a kind that is seldom seen. This talent has been the catalyst for a remarkable career and has enabled him to make a very significant contribution to the world of art.”
— Soana Pomaka, Principal of Tāmaki College
Te Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Maile says the College is honoured to have one of Mr Tohi’s works on display. “One of Mr Tohi’s major welded aluminium works, Poutaha, is on display on the Pukeahu campus. It was commissioned in 2014 and has been a guiding creative form within Massey University since that time. His works have been shared with students across the College as exemplars of contemporary Pacific cultural expression.”
Dean Pacific Professor Palatasa Havea was another champion of Mr Tohi being bestowed with an honorary doctorate. People see and admire his work in many cities in New Zealand, throughout the Pacific, and beyond.”
Dr. “An honorary degree from Massey University will recognise Filipe’s outstanding record of achievement, his pursuit of deep cultural knowledge and his generous sharing of this knowledge with other Pacific peoples and the wider world.”
Massey University honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals of distinction who have made a significant contribution to the university, the nation or the public. Te Whanganui-a-Tara Legacy
The people of Te Whanganui-a-Tara are proud to have a notable Pacific artist like Mr Tohi in their midst. His work continues to resonate globally, fostering connections across cultures and offering a unique perspective on the role of art in preserving and evolving cultural narratives. “Filipe’s dedication to his craft and contributions to the art community make him a truly fitting candidate for this prestigious honour.