Full exhibition text available here; https://www.para-site.art/exhibitions/koloa-women-art-and-technology/?lang=zh-hant

“Para Site is proud to present the touring exhibition " Koloa : Women , Art , and Technology . " This unprecedented international exhibition showcases the lifelong research of Grand Dunakaimanu Fielakepa , a leading figure in the field of Tongan women 's textile art , " koloa . " This exhibition is a collaboration with the Langa fonua'a Fafine Tonga Center ( Tongan Centre for the History of Women 's Textile Art ) , founded in Tonga 's capital by Queen Salot Tupou III in 1953. This Hong Kong tour marks the second time the exhibition has been shown since its opening in Tonga this August . Although Grand Duna Fielakepa frequently ...​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Serving as a consultant and contributor to major international research institutions and museums , this will be her first time showcasing her masterpieces and perspectives to a Tongan and international audience . The exhibition will present a rich tapestry of Tongan textile craftsmanship , highlighting intricate weaving techniques including nga tu ( bark fabric making ) , ta'ovala clothing and ceremonial mats , and kafa rope weaving . The exhibition includes not only precious heirloom textiles but also new samples commissioned for the exhibition . These old and new samples offer a comprehensive view of the design patterns and techniques of Tongan textile craftsmanship , while also helping Grandmother Fielakepa realize her vision of inspiring and supporting village women .​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A female group ; they come together to pass on the crafts , stories , songs , and knowledge related to koloa . During the exhibition 's Hong Kong run , Para Site included works by three female contemporary artists — Tanya Edwards , Nikau Hindin , and Vaimiila Urale — to highlight the seamless integration of art and technology in Pacific aesthetics .​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Koloa textile art draws extensively from the fields of knowledge and technology , and is deeply rooted in social and ecological aesthetics . These works , through the materials and patterns of specific textiles , indicate a kind of political geography of eco - social hierarchies . Through a meticulously crafted and ritualistic system of communication , Koloa textile art serves as a political and social link between the more than 170 islands in and around Tonga , influencing neighboring countries such as Fiji and Samoa . These island nations transcend the barriers imposed during the colonial era and the borders of modern nation - states , maintaining ancient trade and kinship ties . Therefore , the exhibition will introduce textile art from Oceania .​​​​​​The exhibition will showcase samples of textiles , highlighting their specialized techniques and styles , as well as the revival of many lost crafts . To affirm textile art as a vibrant and meaningful contemporary art practice , the exhibition will also include bark textiles and intricate weaving techniques from Asia , Latin America , and Africa . The curators selected exhibits based on visual characteristics , social roles , and historical narratives , a process that , rather than traditional ethnic studies , attempts to approach contemporary art curatorial practice .”

" Koloa : Women , Art and Technology " was curated by Mrs. Tunakaimanu Fielakepa and co - curated by Kang Zheming and Vivian Zihrl .​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

More about this exhibition by Ysabelle Cheung: https://contemporaryhum.com/writing/resistance-through-koloa/