Taimwanuokai: Forget Me Not exhibition highlights over a century of Kiribati knowledge, skills and artistry by master makers Kaetaeta Watson and Louisa Humphry MNZM. They chose the name Taimwanuokai because “It speaks to the things that we’ve done and what we’re capable of doing. Where our treasures in this exhibition are saying – don’t forget us, don’t forget our knowledge and practice of making and doing, carry on. It also relates to us as a people and carries messages of – don’t forget who you are, and don’t forget where you come from.”
Kaetaeta and Louisa (together with their life partners and creative collaborators John and Jack) have been instrumental in preserving Kiribati heritage and culture in Aotearoa for over 50 years. They were part of the first Kiribati Independence flag raising in Aotearoa, held at Nikinam and John Fleetwood’s Pakuranga home in July 1981; involved in establishing the Kiribati National Council; and founding members of Ueen Kiribati Group where they still gather annually to share their Kiribati knowledge, practices and language to the next generation. “These are talents gifted by our ancestors and it is our responsibility to ensure they continue to thrive.”
This exhibition is a celebration of Kiribati cultural pride through sharing, connections, collaborations and cultural exchange with makers within and across Aotearoa and beyond, while never forgetting who they are and where they come from.
