Art
Proud Cook Islander continues work of art
Saturday 8 April 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islander Joyana Finch (nee Meyer) has released a new series of designs on her Mrs. J Finch website. Finch had released children’s science books ‘Buzz the Electron’ and ‘Violet the Photon’ in 2021 which she illustrated in Rarotonga.
Whale artwork complete, Vaka Paikea prepares for blessing and naming ceremony
Monday 3 April 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The whale artwork on the starboard hull of Vaka Paikea is now complete and artist Tuaine “Katu” Teiti has started working on the port hull.
Coco House Bros announce 2023 gig calendar
Saturday 1 April 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
High profile DJs Coco House Bros (Mark Zow, Anthom and Doctor E) have released their 2023 gig calendar which includes the classic Sunset Sessions day parties at 21.3 Vaiana’s Bar, Rarotonga Sailing Club and Rehab Ministry.
Sharing soapmaking skills with fellow Cook Islanders
Monday 27 March 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
Sophia Jensen-Johnstone loves challenges and always looks for new activities to venture into. Her latest craze is soapmaking – a skill she is now sharing with interested Cook Islanders.
Pacific artists represent at Aotearoa Art Fair
Tuesday 7 March 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Bergman Gallery’s New Zealand-based artists Telly Tuita, Sylvia Marsters, Raymond Sagapolutele and Benjamin Work are reconnecting with each other and with the thousands of visitors at the Aotearoa Art Fair.
Comedy couple keep coming back for a taste of paradise
Wednesday 1 February 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features
Kiwi husband-and-wife comedians and writers Jeremy Elwood and Michele A'Court have lost count on the number of times they’ve been to the Cook Islands. They describe it as a destination where they can just “switch off”. The couple chat with deputy editor Al Williams.
Getting creative with Coco Brush
Saturday 28 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features, Go Local
A new Rarotonga art class – with an island inspired twist – allows participants to learn a few simple painting techniques in a relaxed environment with their glass of wine, without worrying about being the ‘next Picasso’.
Rarotonga-based author to release ‘Kūki ‘Airani’
Wednesday 25 January 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islands, Rarotonga-based author Jean Tekura Mason’s book, Kūki ‘Airani, written in Cook Islands Māori and English will be launched next month.
Painting with scissors: exploring Tivaivai’s links to European modern art
Saturday 7 January 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features
A major art exhibition in Sydney explores the link between tivaivai and Henri Matisse, the great French master of modern art.
Can you help solve a photo mystery?
Friday 6 January 2023 | Written by Cameron Scott | Published in Art, Features
Former editor Cameron Scott hopes Cook Islands News readers might be able to help him solve the mystery surrounding an old photograph he bought in an online auction in New Zealand late last year. The photo, which seems to date back to early last century or even earlier, was auctioned by Webb’s Antiques along with […]
Aotearoa Art Fair: A celebration of Pacific art
Saturday 3 December 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Culture, Features, National
There’s a particular moment when a decision is made to purchase a piece of art. It can begin with a glance, a connection between the viewer and the work that invites a closer look. It can develop over time, an emotion evoked by the image and its story. Then there is the decision itself, the joy in knowing that this piece of art will be present to view every day. Such are the moments that mark the Aotearoa Art Fair, writes Rachel Smith.
High school student combines art and business to help cover household bills
Monday 24 October 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Local
A Tereora College student has combined her artistic and entrepreneurial skills to tap into the tourist market while helping with household costs.
Traditional canoes taking shape
Saturday 1 October 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
In a bid to revive the art of traditional canoe building, Te Mana O te Vaka boat building and sailing project – a collaboration between the Cook Islands Voyaging Society (CIVS) and the Gallery Tavioni and Vananga – started last week.
Toka’s local designs to feature in Paris and London
Wednesday 31 August 2022 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Emerging fashion designer Toka Toka is set to launch Cook Islands culture, design and dance on the international runway through fashion.
Recreating Billy Apple’s groundbreaking show
Saturday 20 August 2022 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Art, Features
A small but appreciative crowd turned out for Billy Apple’s Rainbows 1965 exhibition opening at the Bergman Gallery on Tuesday night.
Taking our art to the world
Saturday 23 April 2022 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Features
Bergman Gallery on Rarotonga is helping take Cook Islands art to the world. Cook Islands artist Mahiriki Tangaroa and Bergman Gallery owner Ben Bergman have been pivotal in placing it on display in Italy this week.
Learning the art of traditional canoe building
Wednesday 26 January 2022 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Using a traditional canoe for fishing will soon become a reality for the youth of the Kōrero o te 'Ōrau 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango programme.
A long-distance love affair
Saturday 15 January 2022 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Retired BBC radio and TV reporter and presenter John Roberts from Cheshire, England has been having a long-distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years.
'Akatara from Cook Islands on exhibit in Venice
Saturday 11 December 2021 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features
An exhibition in Venice exploring the sculptural beauty of command clubs from Oceania, including the Cook Islands, has inspired a Rarotongan experiment to discover how ancient weapons obtain their beautifully finished surfaces.
Sabine’s recycled creations earn Energy Globe Award
Saturday 27 November 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features
Tucked away in a small room overlooking the lush backroads and mountain backdrop of Nikao, Sabine Janneck continues to come up with fashionable and artistic ways to make use of discarded plastic.
