Tusiata o le Tala o le Vavau: Artists of the Forever Stories

Tusiata o le Tala o le Vavau is a homage to pioneering and hugely important Samoan artist Iosua To'afa, illustrator of 1976's iconic Tala o le Vavau: Myths and Legends of Samoa. It celebrates the life and art of a brilliant - if underacknowledged - creative force.

Featuring reflections from Albert Wendt, Momoe Malietoa von Reiche, Sean Mallon and Marilyn Kohlhase, as well as assorted friends, family, former peers and students, what's revealed is a poignant, absorbing and deeply personal account of To'afa's life and the ongoing influence of his work.

This book and its accompanying exhibition also showcases original work by nine Aotearoa-based Samoan visual artists - renowned contemporary practitioners like Andy Leleisi'uao, Raymond Sagapolutele and Siliga David Setoga, alongside those more emerging - all inspired by the 1976 book and To'afa's art. Tusiata o le Tala o le Vavau is a celebration of contemporary Samoan art today and a critical recognition of its beginnings through Iosua To'afa and his work.