BOOM
2013 marks the first graduating class from MIT’s Bachelor of Creative Arts. The programme offers specialisations in Creative Writing, Performing Arts and Visual Arts; this publication brings together work of the cohort’s Visual Arts students. Despite the current government’s efforts to dissuade New Zealanders from enrolling into Creative Arts qualifications, Art & Design Schools continue to recruit students and produce graduates eager to participate in the creative sector. Most who choose this pathway know that making a living through their creativity will be a creative endeavour in itself. From experience, we know that some graduates will move quickly into employment, usually finding work in a branch of the design or digital media industries. Others will look to establish entrepreneurial start-ups, producing individual, sometimes bespoke products. Such ventures will often depend on less glamorous paid work to get things underway. Many graduates will enter industries and professions that will seem quite distant from the qualification they have gained, but then quickly establish themselves as valued team members because of the skills they have gained through their Creative Arts studies. They may be great communicators, able to draw on multiple approaches to convince and persuade; they may have great project management skills or perhaps, they will just see things differently and so are able to make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. The work presented in this publication suggests that all these things are possible for our first graduates. Each has produced work that is uniquely theirs and some work has already proven itself in a commercial context. We celebrate with our students the successful completion of their studies and offer encouragement in applying their skills to fresh endeavours. Grant Thompson Dean, Faculty of Creative Arts
Sarah Bates Imagine If Imagine if is book for 5-9 year olds, made in collaboration with Cassandra Pitsillides and pupils from Puni School. Illustrations inviting conversation and development of the reader’s imagination contain visual devices to develop readers’ literacy and numeracy and engagement in a fun way.
Ph: 027 495 1712 E: mainlydecorating@ix.net.nz
Fabian Castle Untitled The works I have made are reflections of different relationships built throughout my journey in life. The lessons I have learnt from these people have altered or shaped my identity as an artist.
Ph: 021 188 7944 E: fabezdsta@gmail.com
Rose Dobbin David Drawing parallels between animal and human traits, disguise and storytelling, I have created my own mythology: a series of fantasy based hybrid characters based on family members.
Ph: 021 054 7957 E: RK_Dobbin@xtra.co.nz
Roy Dormer Alpha & Omega Alpha & Omega originates from my beliefs and combines an interest in the handmade, street art styles and minimalism into a lifestyle brand currently focussing on skateboard and t-shirt production.
Ph: 021 076 4895 E: roy.g.dormer@gmail.com W: facebook.com/alphaandomegaclothingnz alphaandomegaclothing.tumblr.com
Tekori Fatuloa Sexual Identity I make portraits and snapshots of myself, expressing the pleasures and burdens of identity as a gay individual.
Ph: 021 083 26728 E: korifatuloa@gmail.com W: issuu.com tekoris profile, tumblr.com/blog/tekori, twitter.com/TFatuloa , facebook.com/raiseartist.fatuloa/friends
Joanne Francey I Tried To Do Something Good All I can do is make a mess.
Ph: 021 256 8364 E: fran280@manukaumail.com
Faafeu Kapeneta Ready Yaila My photography documents family, capturing intriguing moments that give a small sense of the full story.
Ph: 021 177 0623 E: fkapeneta@gmail.com W: fkofra.tumblr.com feu16.blogspot.co.nz
Renata Karena Who Do You See? My work explores the construction of identity, using a focal point of view to explore and celebrate cultural complexities.
Ph: 027 931 7668 E: renatakarena10@hotmail.co.nz
Bethia Lam Untitled Capturing the characteristics of the individual drives my photographic practice.
Ph: 021 261 2186 E: bethia.lam@hotmail.com
Tepora Malo Untitled My work portrays elements of Samoan tradition in New Zealand contemporary culture and reflects where I sit in today’s world. I am a New Zealand born girl with Samoan heritage, surrounded by westernised culture. References to pop culture influence my clashing textile designs, representative of both contemporary and traditional culture.
Ph: 021 111 3319 E: poraahm@gmail.com
Taga Tanuvasa UNASHAMED (Detail) Inspired by teen swag, #WORD is a brand that speaks of Christianity and its currency in the local community.
Ph: 021 250 4583 E: tagatanuvasa@ymail.com
Maha Te Hape Tomo Waikato, Katimamoe, Rangitane Pick Up Sticks The last three years have seen a spate of capitalist policies such as asset sales, welfare sanctions and increased taxes introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand. I aim to find a synergy of Maori object art fused with political commentary, hoping to inspire others to find their voice. With 2014’s upcoming elections, now is the time to be heard!
Ph: 021 022 63654 E: toimanawa@live.com W: toimanawa.com
SPECIAL THANKS TO Sina Fasavalu Aiuta, Fran Allison, Nonu Aunese, Dave Bates, Renee Bevan, Caryline Boreham, Nadene Carr, Deborah Crowe, Roy Dormer, Tui Fakaua, Julie Fepulea’i, Sharon Fitness, Annabel Gane, Daniel Genrich, Russell Goodman, Thomas Hamilton, Frances Hansen, Peter Heslop, Rebecca Hobbs, Ricky Jack, Bradley Kitching, Waikare Komene, Martin Langdon, Itulima Leuluso’o, Steve Lovett, Bobby Matea, Glen Maw, Barry McCormick, Emma McLellan, Jean Melesaine, Sean Morris, Rachel Nessia, Richard Orjis, Pastor Afa Pulotu, Sean Tee, Maha Tomo, Grant Thompson, Freddie Tuala, Sidath Wickremeratne and all our family and friends who have helped us put this together. University Bindary, DMP Harris, Akoteu Kato Kakala Pre-school, C3 Church Howick, Au Uso Kerisiano Mascot.
To be continued . . .
It is with pleasure that I provide an endnote to this catalogue featuring the work of twelve Bachelor of Creative Arts students specialising in Visual Arts. This group is, in their terms, kickback. Discussion around potential titles for their exhibition resulted in much laughter in the studio. Ideas such as The Dirty Dozen, Hope I Pass, First Edition and Gap It featured, alongside To Be Continued . . .. Recognition that they are realists, all with a sense of humour, all excited - and with the street smarts - to take their next steps. Deborah Crowe Principal Lecturer, School of Visual Arts