The Taupou
 
This piece is about the weight a Taupou carries—not just the tuiga and the ula nifo, but the responsibility to her people. I painted her on wood because it’s solid and real.
The malu on her legs is her protection and her shelter. I used the grey background to show the balance we walk every day—living in the now while holding onto where we come from. The wavy design is the Vai (water); it’s the common thread that ties all us islanders together, no matter which corner of the Pacific we’re in.
Inspired by a photo I've seen online.