Fatu Feu’u
Fatu Feu’u is celebrated for his diverse artistic contribution that has spanned more than three decades and includes the mediums of painting, printmaking and sculpture.
“My first love of doing art is painting… it’s mainly painting that sustains me as an artist, yeah. And I love it…”
Feu’u’s work is deeply rooted in his Samoan cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from traditional art forms such as tapa cloth and tattoo motifs. His early exposure to these practices, particularly the use of natural colours in tapa cloth making, significantly influences his artistic style. This cultural connection is further reflected in his sculptures, which are in part inspired by the monumental Moai statues of Easter Island, a site he visited in the early 2000s. Fatu’s sculptures, often created from wood and sandstone, are a visual testament to Polynesian history and traditions.
Earlier in his remarkable career, Feu’u was mentored by prominent New Zealand artist Tony Fomison, and inspired by an introduction to Colin McCahon. These relationships profoundly impacted his work, and have driven him to explore the intersections of his Samoan heritage and New Zealand culture. Fatu’s commitment to his art and his influence on younger artists have established him as a pivotal figure in the Pacific art community, contributing to the important cultural dialogue between Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand.