Berlin-based Cook Islands artist Taja Vaetoru has returned to Rarotonga for a month-long residency at Bergman Gallery, focusing on the development of a new series of small and large-scale paintings and sculptures that continue the artist’s exploration of cultural identity, personal memory and Pacific heritage.

On Wednesday, May 28, Vaetoru, who was born and raised in Manihiki, will open a show called “Atinga” to display their body of artwork at Bergman Gallery in Avarua.

Vaetoru initially wanted to explore their cultural identity, questioning where they fit in and how to belong without altering any aspect of themselves.

Their artwork is inspired by the people’s generous offers of giving. Vaetoru felt as if they needed to repay the community by giving back.

“So then I changed what I was working on, and then I decided to give back, in a way.”

Vaetoru’s pieces are to show their unique crafts and arts that is different than other art work, presenting a unique style by using materials people see or use every day in the Cook Islands, including traditional works such as tie dyes combined with Vaetoru’s artistic knowledge from abroad.

“Its offering in a way to other creatives in terms of hopefully giving them inspiration or new ideas on how to use materials,” says Vaetoru.

“I’ve gotten so much from the people here during my residency that I am happy to give back and offer like this body of work.”

According to Vaetoru, this approach can be particularly valuable for aspiring artists who may not have the means to purchase traditional art supplies.

This initiative not only fosters artistic development but also promotes a mindset of innovation and making the most of what’s available.

The “Vaetoru Art” pieces are all made here in Rarotonga, with the use of specific materials from the island.

Vaetoru does not have a favourite piece as they all have unique intentions, different meanings and purpose.

“I feel like I make every work with a specific intention, or like it has its own purpose. And I have maybe a very different relationship to each work, because I view them differently.”

In terms of challenges faced while creating these art pieces, Vaetoru embarked on a new and unique artistic direction they personally call “shooting star”. This new style emerged as they learned several techniques during the crafting process.

“I’m completely learning how to work with new materials as well. So, it was just a learning experience for me.”

Vaetoru’s incorporation of stars in their paintings evolved from a minor element to the “shooting star” becoming its own distinct art piece.

“They first started as flowers and then I slowly kind of turned them into stars. So, in my paintings, they’ve been around. I’ve been introducing them as an icon that I use.”

Not only is Vaetoru’s “shooting star” given its own dedicated space, but the stars within it also relate to the artist’s very first drawing.

When Vaetoru was young, they remembered sleeping outside under the stars and started drawing with them. It was their first time tracing and drawing with the stars, which initially became their icon in all their art pieces.

According to Vaetoru, their new body of work not only offers back to the community but also represents another offering to themselves.

“I’m just trying to like show that I can be myself in a way, still keeping my culture and my heritage and all of the good things about being a Pacific Islander,” Vaetoru explains. “But also, be able to like marry everything that I’ve learned overseas and create this harmonious looking artwork.”

“For me, that is like acceptance and feel like I do belong.”

Vaetoru’s art pieces also serve as an offering to their mother, acting as a love letter from their father conveyed through them.

According to Bergman Gallery, Vaetoru’s work often reflects the layered experiences of place and belonging, drawing from the artist’s connection to the Cook Islands and their wider Polynesian background.

The residency provides a period of immersion and reflection, allowing Vaetoru to engage directly with the local environment and community.

“During the residency, I will be exploring the theme of harmony, acceptance and support within the community.  I will learn from those who want to share either knowledge or material.  The works will have some elements of a weaving or the combining of things,” Vaetoru said.

“I imagine weaving as staying true to myself within my community. Because a singular panel or string can keep its own individuality but still have the ability to bind and be woven in with others. Each panel holding their own individuality but at the same time working together to create a harmonious masterpiece that is our rich culture. I’ll be exploring weaving myself back into my culture as I am, where in the past I couldn’t see myself fitting.”

The exhibition will run from May 28 to June 11, offering an intimate and evocative insight into Vaetoru’s evolving practice.