Many gathered to celebrate the success and talent of local, indigenous artists around Rarotonga at an art exhibit hosted by artistic godfather Mike Tavioni.

The Gallery Tavioni was proud to host and present The Nurturing and Growth of Indigenous Art Exhibition held on Thursday night to celebrate the hard work of over 10 local artists who had taken part in the Toki Cook Islands Indigenous Artist gatherings initiated in July this year.

A large turnout of people from the artistic community with a passion for the arts or to simply support those exhibiting attended the event and marveled at the large range of creations, each which carried its own unique essence and style.

The artworks exhibited on the night were first developed at the Toki Cook Islands Indigenous Artist gatherings, organised by painter and photographer Shane Andrew.

He said it was amazing to see all the artwork created over the past few months finally up on display.

“We are forming a platform here for our own people here to share their own art and express their own stories through visual arts and painting. So it’s great having everyone in one place.”

Andrew shared how the process of creating everything together went well because everyone shared the same common goal and understanding of what they needed to perform, how they needed to perform it and when.

“A few errors with event management for example could get difficult but it is for our own people and worth it in the long run,” he said.

Gallery Tavioni owner Mike Tavioni had overseen the entire process of each of the artworks being created as it was his space that the artists had been gathering in and working in over the past months.

Many curious eyes attended the exhibit to view all the different art pieces on display. 21092407, 21092412

Tavioni said he felt very happy that there was a place for local artists to exhibit as 40 years ago during his time artists had to display their art on the trees along the beachside in town.

From then Tavioni promised himself he would create an art gallery for as many local artists as possible so they would have a place to display and sell their work.

“A lot of our artists have no gallery at all and the art is not supported. That is why I wanted to build this gallery that will give our artists opportunities to be seen and sold so they can benefit from it,” he said.

Tavioni said there are many more artists lined up to exhibit their own artworks following this current exhibition. “We actually really can’t keep up,” he said.

‘We are the same but different,’ and ‘You and Me,’ by the youngest artist of the group, Pauline Kaimarama. 21092409

Exhibiting artist Ukarau John, who had three vibrant, bold, and immediately recognisable portraits as his own raw style on display, said that it felt great to have his work up and finished, but that it was also great to see everyone else’s art.

“It’s a really great space here at Uncle Mike’s,” John said.

Looking around the gallery with many artists gazing proudly and fondly at their work as they shared it and explained it to others, it was clear to see Tavioni’s vision to support and celebrate artists has been fulfilled.