Vaka Performance

Papakura Art Gallery, South Pacific Arts Summit, Auckland

21 May 2011

D.A.N.C.E Art Club presented a one off public performance in Papakura as part of the South Pacific Arts Summit. D.A.N.C.E Art Club was invited by Papakura Art Gallery curator Tracey Williams, to respond to the exhibition The Ancient Mariners by Sheyne Tuffery at Papakura Art Gallery. We were asked to create a performance which complemented Sheyne’s iconographic prints and paintings as part of the South Pacific Arts Summit 2011.

D.A.N.C.E Art Club in collaboration with artist John Ioane and art collective H.E.P.T, created a symbolic journey by boat through the township of Papakura. A contemporary makeshift vaka/waka was constructed specifically for this performance event. The vessel was transported from Prince Edward Park Estuary to a landing at Papakura Art Gallery and included recorded music by composer Poulima Salima. On arrival at the gallery, there was a boat launch and celebration with live music by Levani in collaboration with DJ Linda T, food and refreshments.