When Tui Gillies was a young girl she’d accompany her mother weekly to the flea markets where they’d sell painted tapa art pieces to make ends meet.
To look at Ms Gillies you might not guess she is of Tongan decent but when you see her unique artwork it’s clear she has a rich Pacific history which reveals itself through her tapa creations.
Pacific Profile met up with Ms Gillies at the recent Matala Festival at the Mangere Arts Centre, a festival that celebrated Tongan Arts and Culture.
This was her first ever exhibition.
Watch the video.
source: newshub archive
