An icon in the art industry for more than 20 years, born 1946 in Samoa. The father of pacific island art, Fatu Akelei Feu'u was raised in the village of Poutasi in the district of Faledili, now living in Auckland since 1988 committing himself to a full time artist. A painter of tales, relationships, love, beauty and deep emotions, keeping his drive for art alive through unifying the 'Fa'asamoa' element meaning 'the Samoan way.' Inspired by many art forms such as tatau (tattoo), siapo (tapa cloth) weaving, carving and ceremonial mask making. Fatu's work showcases a range of heritage, traditional patterns/symbols, motifs and different techniques influenced from Samoa and Aotearoa, more generally from Euro-America to Pacific Cultures.
A particular feature of Fatu's work that I would love to explore and interpret into my work is the stories he tells through his pieces. I want to be able to have a story behind my artwork, so that instead of telling people I can show them through illustrations and make them understand. I want my art to be my voice. Fatu employs alot of great materials in his artwork such as paintbrushes, oil/acrylic paint, tapa cloths, wood and stone for sculptures pieces etc. He is well known for the different artistic mediums that he uses.
Below are 3 images of his work. 'Easter Sunday' painted in 2013 using acrylic paint on a 1020x1020mm canvas. 'Lapita, Kone' created on a 695x450mm woodcut (buff paper) and lastly, 'Ika Malau' completed on a 1020x760mm stretched canvas in 2010.
