Gallery
Showcasing powerful artworks that explore Vanuatu’s deep connection to water, health, equality & culture
Meet the artists
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Wota i Toktok
Bringing together over fifteen resident artists, the Wota i Toktok exhibition reflected on water as both a vital resource and a source of identity, story, memory and resilience in Vanuatu. Featuring a diversity of artists and methods, this exhibition celebrated the unique role water plays in the Blue Pacific.
Visit the stories and artworks below or click on our ‘Meet the Artist’ page to learn more about the people involved in this project which was launched in September 2025.
Magic River
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“Magic river “ [installation]
Artist name: Amelia Lovo and Carole Réocreux
Materials used: Tapa, acrylic painting / tempera, mat, bamboo frame
Artist’s statement:
This installation, created from natural materials, pays tribute to an ancestral custom story. For the occasion, a twenty-meter mat was woven and two tapas made from banyan bark were crafted. The painting was executed using the traditional tempera technique, with natural pigments bound with egg yolk.
The work consists of two tapas connected by a mat and illustrates a custom story from the island of Erromango, where Amelia comes from. This story tells of a magical underground river that rises in the east of the island and reemerges in the southwest, in Amelia’s village.
In the exhibition space, the tapas are placed at opposite ends of the room, each representing one side of the island, where the river surfaces and disappears. The mat that connects them symbolizes the river’s course and its invisible passage beneath the island.
The story is written in Amelia’s custom language on the mat. It evokes both the flow of the river and the flow of speech, echoing the oral storytelling tradition that is so vital in Vanuatu’s culture.
“Magik Riva” – Erromango kastom stori
Wan taem, i bin gat wan bigfala naesfala riva we I strong long Potndi long Cooks Bay, long East Erromango. I bin gat evri fish insaed long hem mo ol naura, ol namarae.
Long saed long riva ia, I gat tu mountain we oli bin raorao from wota ia. Wota I stap long saed long wan mountain we nem blong hem Uwo. Narasaed wota, I gat narafala mountain we nem blong hem Vetil.
Vetil I kros from I stap talem se wota ia I mekem tumas noes long hem, mekem se I wantem distroyem hem. Blong protektem wota ia, Uwo hemi mas karemaot hem blong go putum hem long Worbau, long Unpang district, long Saot West blong Erromango.
Taem Uwo wetem wota tufala i stap ronwe andagraon, oli stop smol blong pulum wind long Potndi long Unpang district. Vetil I stap lukaotem tufala mo I faenem tufala long smol Potndi. I traem sperem Uwo long spea, be taem I sakem spea, I mestem. Afta, wota I draon bakegen long ples ia mo I kamaot long Vorbau.
I gat tu Potndi long Erromango : bigfala Potndi i stap long Cooks Bay long East blong Erromango ; smol Potndi I stap long Unpang district long Saot West blong Erromango.
Long taem ia, ol man oli stap luk wota long Unpang district, be oli no save se wota I kam wea.
Wan taem, wan man blong Punpia, long Saot Erromango, I maredem wan woman blong Potndi long Cooks Bay, long East Erromango.
Wan dei, tufala I go visitim Potndi mo man ia I bin sek long naesfala riva long we. Wan dei tufala oli pul long kenu long riva ia.
Man i luk wan saed blong wota i waeld I go raon. I sakem wan lif I go. Nem blong lif ia hemi Nembe. Wota I solem daon Nembe mo tufala i nomo luk lif ia.
Wan wik afta, man wetem woman blong hem tufala oli gobak long haos blong tufala long Saot West blong Erromango mo tufala oli go visitim Worbau.
Long Worbau I gat wan spring wota we I kamaot long stone. Man I sek se I faenem bak sem lif, Nembe, we I sakem long Potndi long wota long West blong Erromango. Lif ia I stap flot long spring wota long Worbau.
I tingbaot wan taem se wota ia hemi sem wota we I luk long East mo I faenemaot se hemi andagraon wota kasem ples ia.
Mekem se naoia ol man long Unpang oli save se wota ia I kam antap long East blong Erromango, long bigfala Potndi.
“Magic River” – Erromango Kastom Story
A long time ago, there was a big beautiful river, strong and flowing in Potndi, in Cooks Bay, East Erromango. The river had all kinds of fish and eels inside.
Beside this river, there were two mountains quarreling because of the water. On one side of the river stood the mountain called Uwo. On the other side stood the mountain called Vetil.
Vetil became angry, saying that the river made too much noise and disturbed him, so he wanted to destroy it. To protect the river, Uwo had to carry it away and send it underground to Worbau, in the Unpang district, in the southwest of Erromango.
As Uwo and the river ran underground, they stopped for a while to take a breath of wind at Potndi in the Unpang district. Vetil was watching them and discovered them at the small Potndi. He tried to spear Uwo, but when he threw his spear, he missed. Then the river dived back underground and came out again at Worbau.
There are two Potndi places on Erromango: the big Potndi in Cooks Bay, East Erromango; and the small Potndi in the Unpang district, in the southwest.
In those days, the people of Unpang used to see the water, but they did not know where it came from.
One day, a man from Punpia, in South Erromango, married a woman from Potndi in Cooks Bay, East Erromango. One day, the couple went to visit Potndi, and the man was amazed at the beauty of the river there. One day they paddled a canoe on the river.
The man saw one part of the water swirling around. He threw a leaf into it. The leaf was called Nembe. The water swallowed the Nembe leaf, and they could no longer see it.
A week later, the man and his wife went back home to their house in the southwest of Erromango, and they went to visit Worbau.
At Worbau, there was a spring coming out from a rock. The man was astonished when he found again the same Nembe leaf he had thrown into the water at Potndi in East Erromango. The leaf was floating in the spring water at Worbau.
He remembered that time and realized that this was the very same water he had seen in the East, which had travelled underground to come out in this place.
And so, from that time on, the people of Unpang knew that their water was coming from the big Potndi in East Erromango.
Island Born of Water
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“Island Born of Water”
Artist name: Nastasia Shing
Artist’s statement:
Long ago on Aneityum, two men were tested to prove their strength, with the chiefly title promised to the one who succeeded. Their challenge was extraordinary. Before sunrise, each was to summon an island from the sea.
Niliu and his men, journeyed to places to gather the elements for this task. They collected water and, through custom, transformed it into living water, wrapping it in leaves taken from the cliffs and binding it with spider web. From the marine blowhole, they gathered seaspray into bamboo. These elements, the living water to give life, and the seaspray to summon great waves were carried to the seabed where Mystery Island now rests.
There, Niliu and his men performed a powerful ceremony summoning waves to carry sand and shape it into and island as the living water breathed life into the land. By sunrise, Mystery Island had risen from the sea, and Niliu was declared the strongest, earning the chiefly title.
The other man, though he too attempted the feat, raised only a reef, which remains today as Three Mile Reef, just off Aneityum.
Thus, the story of Mystery Island lives on, a tale of strength, custom, and the sacred power of water to create life and land.
This work is inspired by a custom story from the island of Aneityum on how Mystery Island was created.
Through custom, Nilu transformed living water and seaspray into the forces that gave life to land. By sunrise, an island stood where there was once only sea, a testament to strength, custom, and the sacred power of water.
Kwai Leo
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“Kwai Leo”
Artist name: Talula-Fay Taribakeo
Artist’s statement:
These pieces are inspired by the natural water and mud found in our villages after rain, rivers, or along the coastline. Using a water stencil technique, I capture the earthy textures, ripples, and patterns created by mud and water, reflecting the life and movement of our islands. Each design tells a story of daily life, connection to nature, and the environment we grow up with also turning simple tote bags and purses into pieces that evoke memory, place, and belonging.
Water is Life: The Voice of Life
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Link to audio
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“Water is Life”
(The Voice of Life)
Artist name: David Ambong
Artist’s statement:
I am inspired by the daily reality that water is not just a resource but the very foundation of life. Observing how families, farmers, and communities rely on clean and accessible water every day motivates me to give water a voice through this piece. It reflects our responsibility to care for it as it sustains every living thing.
Water is central to our wellbeing and survival. In my community, it connects us to our land, our food, and our health. Without it, we cannot grow crops, maintain livelihoods, or nurture future generations. Protecting and valuing water means protecting our life itself. The most enjoyable part when creating my Wota I Toktok piece “The Voice of Life.”
What I enjoyed most was the opportunity to express, in a creative way, how water speaks to us and calls for our respect. It allowed me to reflect deeply on its importance and to share a message that I hope will inspire others to treasure and safeguard this precious gift.
Water is Life: The Golden Drop
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“Water is Life”
[The golden drop]
Artist name: Melissa Blumberg-Booth
Artist’s statement:
This was the inspiration I took from the very first workshop we had as artist with the Wota I Toktok body. I actually wanted to create a beautiful translucent large installation but couldn’t find the materials I needed for it here on the island. So this is actually a large replica of a rough draft of what my installation would have been only in words that I mind mapped in a waterdrop on a piece of paper.
Water is so precious, rain is like “gold” having clean water in rain tanks especially when disasters strike is a source of life. Without water we can’t cook, flush the toilet, feed our family, clean our babies and children. Without clean water medical issues arise, and if not resolved can’t become detrimental. Water =LiFE!
Our spiritual water and nurturing our souls with the truth and in love is as important as clean drinking water. If we realise this we will make sure that the water is treasured and treated with respect while using it as we need. It’s more important than words can ever even explain our bodies, souls and sprits know it…
The process of it and sticking to the simplicity of a replicating “a note” that I made on the day of the “Wota i toktok” Workshop a few months back.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my piece “Water is Life”~ { The Golden drop}
Sound of Water
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“Sound of Water”
Artist name: William Bule
Materials used: Acrylic Paint on Canvas
Artist’s statement:
It depicts the women of Gaua in the Banks Islands of northern Vanuatu performing water music, known in the local language as Ëtëtung. It’s a sacred and exclusively female practice and is performed exclusively by women.
I am inspired by this practice because it expresses the deep connection the people of Vanuatu have with water. With our beautiful pristine waters that attract so many visitors worldwide, this custom practice is also a way to pass on the cultural importance and tradition of the link Vanuatu has to its waters through song and performance.
Water is important to me and my community because it plays a vital part in my community by bringing them together. Everyone who doesn't have access to tap water comes to the river every afternoon to bath and fetch clean drinking water. What I enjoyed most about creating this piece is the similarity of this traditional practice to the splashing of water in our community's afternoon baths.
Wild Seas in Deep Blue: Stormy Tales
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Link to audio
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“Wild Seas in Deep Blue: Stormy Tales”
Artist name: Busi Vasconcellos Neill
Artist’s statement:
Yachts, Boats, Sharks, and Turtles in the Sapphire SwellA raging storm shakes the deep cobalt seas—
Yachts and boats pitch on frothy, indigo waves.
Beneath, a sleek shark glides through sapphire shadows,
As a gentle turtle rides the cerulean tide.
Together they weather the storm,
Carrying tales through the wild, blue heart of the ocean.
Faea Woman Blong Solwota
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“Faea Woman Blong Solwota”
Artist name: Gaga & Ben
We love photographing the vibrant culture of Vanuatu and empower women by creating lovely memories. Here is a picture of Fabrina Tari, a woman of the sea from Ambae, a Faea Woman Blong Solwota.
Water calms your mind and feeds your soul. Watching the ocean, listening to the waves, swimming in the sea. It brings you back to the present. It makes you simply be.It’s been delightful to create this piece. Everything came together so smoothly, from the sunset dreamy lights to the perfect model, nailing her outfit and feeling so at ease in the water. It felt very grounding.
-"Wai ngeh na mqwasoana”
“Water is Life” in Ambaen dialect (East Ambae)
Fabrina Tari, Faea Woman Blong Solwota
Boat. Textile art on tote bag.
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“Kwai Leo”
Artist name: Talula-Fay Taribakeo
These pieces are inspired by the natural water and mud found in our villages after rain, rivers, or along the coastline. Using a water stencil technique, I capture the earthy textures, ripples, and patterns created by mud and water, reflecting the life and movement of our islands. Each design tells a story of daily life, connection to nature, and the environment we grow up with also turning simple tote bags and purses into pieces that evoke memory, place, and belonging.
Water and Emotions
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Link to audio
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Water and emotions #1 - “Joy”
Water and emotions #2 - “Fear”
Water and emotions #3 - “Calm”
Artist name: Stephanie Hamel
These works are inspired by a blend of influences: the landscapes of Vanuatu—such as the Emua Wharf and the northern islands of Efate—international references like Hokusai’s wave, and artistic explorations of how water can be captured under different conditions.In Vanuatu, water is ever-present in daily life. It offers joy through snorkeling and calm through river swims, yet also brings fear and destruction during storms and cyclones. These contrasts cultivate a deep sense of appreciation, respect, and gratitude for nature.
Through these paintings, I explored varied styles and color palettes to evoke different impressions for the viewer. The process has also reshaped my own perception: each encounter with water now carries the imprint of these creative explorations.
Water and Emotions
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Water and emotions #1 - “Joy”
Water and emotions #2 - “Fear”
Water and emotions #3 - “Calm”
Artist name: Stephanie Hamel
These works are inspired by a blend of influences: the landscapes of Vanuatu—such as the Emua Wharf and the northern islands of Efate—international references like Hokusai’s wave, and artistic explorations of how water can be captured under different conditions.
In Vanuatu, water is ever-present in daily life. It offers joy through snorkeling and calm through river swims, yet also brings fear and destruction during storms and cyclones. These contrasts cultivate a deep sense of appreciation, respect, and gratitude for nature.
Through these paintings, I explored varied styles and color palettes to evoke different impressions for the viewer. The process has also reshaped my own perception: each encounter with water now carries the imprint of these creative explorations.
Water and Emotions
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Water and emotions #1 - “Joy”
Water and emotions #2 - “Fear”
Water and emotions #3 - “Calm”
Artist name: Stephanie Hamel
These works are inspired by a blend of influences: the landscapes of Vanuatu—such as the Emua Wharf and the northern islands of Efate—international references like Hokusai’s wave, and artistic explorations of how water can be captured under different conditions.In Vanuatu, water is ever-present in daily life. It offers joy through snorkeling and calm through river swims, yet also brings fear and destruction during storms and cyclones. These contrasts cultivate a deep sense of appreciation, respect, and gratitude for nature.
Through these paintings, I explored varied styles and color palettes to evoke different impressions for the viewer. The process has also reshaped my own perception: each encounter with water now carries the imprint of these creative explorations.
Blue Print
Faea Woman Blong Solwota
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“Faea Woman Blong Solwota”
Artist name: Gaga & Ben
We love photographing the vibrant culture of Vanuatu and empower women by creating lovely memories. Here is a picture of Fabrina Tari, a woman of the sea from Ambae, a Faea Woman Blong Solwota.
Water calms your mind and feeds your soul. Watching the ocean, listening to the waves, swimming in the sea. It brings you back to the present. It makes you simply be.
It’s been delightful to create this piece. Everything came together so smoothly, from the sunset dreamy lights to the perfect model, nailing her outfit and feeling so at ease in the water. It felt very grounding.-"Wai ngeh na mqwasoana”
“Water is Life” in Ambaen dialect (East Ambae)
Fabrina Tari, Faea Woman Blong Solwota
The story of wai
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Edgar shared the story of wai (water) at the launch of Wota i Toktok . He performed the song of wai on a Waruwe (or Wuer) which is a rare double-fluted bamboo instrument from Pentecost Island. He then drew the story with sandroing.
Sand drawing, known in Bislama as sandroing, is a graphic tradition practised across the central and northern islands of Vanuatu, particularly in the Banks Islands, Ambrym, Malakula, Pentecost and Efate.
Edgar created a continuous line with a single finger on sand, volcanic ash or wet clay, working within an imagined grid or framework that governs the composition. The defining technical constraint is that the design must be completed in one unbroken movement, without lifting the finger and without retracing any segment already drawn. The result is a symmetrical, often intricate geometric figure.
Sandroing functions as a mnemonic and communicative system, serving as a means of exchange between the roughly eighty language groups of the archipelago and as a repository of oral knowledge. Individual designs are named and are associated with particular narratives, songs, cosmological accounts, kinship structures, ritual protocols and agricultural or navigational information. Certain designs relate to eschatological beliefs concerning the passage of the dead.
UNESCO proclaimed the practice a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003, and it was inscribed on the Representative List in 2008.
Thread of Life
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“Dawn Of Her Strength”
Artist name: Rosanah Kaio
Artist’s statement:
The painting was inspired by the quiet power of women who rise early to fetch water in order to care for their families. It reflects the resilience, love and dedication that begins before the sun comes up- a reminder that strength is often found in everyday acts of sacrifice and care.
Water is life for everyone, it nourishes our bodies, grows our food and we use it for everyday living. Without water there is no strength, no growth and no future.
What I enjoyed creating this piece was the feeling of connection- every stroke reminded me of the strength and love I see in daily life as a mother. It brought me peace and joy to paint those emotions on to canvas.
Spring Water Dancer
Droplets of the Sky
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“Droplets of the Sky”
Artist name: Silas Mahit
Artist’s statement:
From the islands of Paama and Pentecost, Silas began his journey as an artist by carving natangura seeds in 2021. Now working with bullock horn, he shapes the elements of sun, rain, moon, and cloud.
Suspended beneath an umbrella, his hand-carved forms fall like droplets of water — a reflection of both tradition and nature’s elements.
If only
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“If Only”
Artist name: Jane Millington
Artist’s statement:
This artwork asks us to question how we interact with water, particularly in the context of the global climate. The painting gives us the opportunity to look at the impact of climate change through the eyes of a child about to lose their island home.
It juxtaposes the simplicity of hope, embodied in her innocent ‘stop’ hand gesture, against the reality of sea level rises.
As a world, we are interdependent, our future is collective, the actions of one can have a profound and immediate effect on others.
It doesn’t matter if we are talking at the individual, community, or state level, we are in this world together. We are connected – across borders, over continents- through our waters.
As an artist, I use my interpretation of the ocean(s) as a key symbol of our togetherness.
Water has been the predominant subject matter in my artworks and is a source of both contemplation and reflection for me personally. I enjoyed the challenge of communicating a specific climate change message in this triptych.
Coconut Plantation & Kapkap (swift)
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“Coconut plantation and Kapkap(Swift)”
Artist name: Elaine Moli
Artist’s statement:
In the early 1800’s the villagers (natives from Pango) were working in the coconut plantation. The only water source they would drink from was miles away. One day they spotted this bird flying to and for a certain place, to their amazement it was a water source (underground water), so they dug it up and named it Ekpamer. Which means “You again”. It served the people of Pango for a good number of years, even my mother-in-law (Ambaean) said when she came to live in Pango (married to my father-in-law from Pango) it was their main source of supply to get water and wash their clothes. This underground well is located in the heart of the village near the football field but is no longer used as people no use the main supply from Unelco. Even though it’s no longer in use it still holds memories of old for the elders and hopefully one day it can be preserved for history.
Wota
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“WOTA”
Artist name: Maria Pietri
Artist’s statement:
A few years ago, I made a couple of pieces using the same technique. I really enjoyed the process, I created 2 large fishes with human heads, both facing each other with cut out plywood as a bas relief.
This project has given me the opportunity to try again. It is something I did on a smaller scale when I was in my 30’s, this time in Masonite, I created small painted scene like small theater in relief.
Water is one of the essential elements of life; we do not exist without water; we are made of water. I have lived for long periods in my life without water or electricity. Water is the hardest, it is so heavy to carry around, so time consuming, it is so essential to our everyday tasks and needs, living with no water is really hard.
I love the process of starting from an idea and making it somewhat concrete. The media I used made me take twists and turns and I had to respect its exigence. Every media is different. Building a large piece such as this one was difficult as my working area was not that large and the weather in Vanuatu is not always dry. I enjoy the planning and the execution of each step, the design, the cutting, the sanding, the painting, the gluing, the assembling, so many steps, so many hours…...
Icebound Reflection
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“Icebound Reflection”
Artist name: Busi Vasconcellos Neill
Artist’s statement:
A Visual Poem for an Ephemeral Installation
A hundred litres held—
clear silence,
ice block suspended
by a rope’s patient arm
from the darkened beam.
Time listens,
as drip by drop
the block weeps
into a shallow dish
where a mirror catches
each sigh of melting.
In silvered water
Narcissus waits—
face blurred,
thirst unquenched,
a promise dissolving
as the world watches
for the last drop.
An iceberg harnessed,
dreamed for parched lips,
but always
disappearing
before we know
how long
it will last—
ephemeral,
vanishing,
drop
by
drop.
The last drop
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“The last drop”
[when the golden drop evaporates]
Artist name: Melissa Blumberg-Booth
Drought, famine, thirst, water shortage, water crisis. When the water drop evaporates in the heat… when the last drops come out of a well or a spring… when it all drys up. When there is no more left… this is the last drop.
What will we do if it’s the last drop ? What happens if we’d all go thirsty, what would that look like for us as humans, for the animals and plant…? How long could we survive? Thinking about it made me think how fragile we are.
These things are all the dark side and the reason why we as artist at this exhibition are raising awareness. This is why we need to nurture and do our best to raise awareness of how important fresh water is.
Water is so precious, rain is like “gold”, rivers and springs are like gold… having clean water in rain tanks especially when disasters strike is a source of life. Without water we can’t cook, flush the toilet, feed our family, clean our babies and children. Without clean water medical issues arise, and if not resolved, it can become detrimental. Water =LIFE! Clean rivers and waterfalls = clean hygienic people and clean oceans and marina.
Our spiritual water and nurturing our souls with the truth and in love is as important as clean drinking water. If we realise this we will make sure that the water is treasured and treated with respect while using it as we need. It’s more important than words can ever even explain our bodies, souls and sprits know it…
Creating a dusty layer and working on top of it, feeling the famine and all the things mentioned above. The emotions that flowed with it and even the frustration but the hope and determination to create awareness through this creation “The Last Drop”.
Ocean & Surfboard
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“Ocean and Surfboard”
Artist name: Elaine Moli
Artist’s statement:
A life around the open water. A water source that not only provides 99% of the living space and 15% of the life in the water but holds the sweat, hard work, peace calm, rage, comfort and motivation for Roger Taleo. He says the ocean is his life, it connects him with nature and through it, past, present and future has opened so many doors for him.
Tok Tok: A Visual Poem of Water
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“Tok Tok: A Visual Poem of Water”
Artist name: Busi Vasconcellos Neill
Artist’s statement:
the sound and shape of flow
drip
tok
drop
tok
plip
plop
tok tok
a silver thread—
falling,
unraveling
down
d
o
w
n
to the pool below:
tok
tok
on the silent skin of water.
rippling outward
in slow
widening
circles—
each tok a word
each tok a memory
floating
to the surface
and away.
listen—
tok
tok
tok
water dreaming itself
into waves
and silence.
Dawn of Her Strength
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“Dawn Of Her Strength”
Artist name: Rosanah Kaio
The painting was inspired by the quiet power of women who rise early to fetch water in order to care for their families. It reflects the resilience, love and dedication that begins before the sun comes up- a reminder that strength is often found in everyday acts of sacrifice and care.
Water is life for everyone, it nourishes our bodies, grows our food and we use it for everyday living. Without water there is no strength, no growth and no future.
What I enjoyed creating this piece was the feeling of connection- every stroke reminded me of the strength and love I see in daily life as a mother. It brought me peace and joy to paint those emotions on to canvass.
The Flow (fabric)
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“The Flow”
Artist name: Jane Millington
Artist’s statement:
This artwork is a print of one of my oil paintings on chiffon. It is designed to move as the air shifts, to undulate like the flow of water. It aims to regenerate the viewer’s engagement with the ebb and flow of their lives reflected in the fabric, and the water’s, movement.
Fascinated with the healing nature of our waters, I focus on creating delicate stills of moments. Through this singular focus I aim to facilitate a deeper engagement with our waters, sharing nostalgic and rehabilitative connections from the viewpoint of our coastal lands.
Translating a static artwork onto a material that mimics the way the ocean moves and catches the light was really enjoyable.
Flowing Treasure
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“Blue Print”
[What if every drop had a name]
Artist name: Melissa Blumberg-Booth
Artist’s statement:
The 240 children that I teach each term at Life Changers… being their new art teacher, starting a new initiative and seeing their growth, their talent and learning their names. This made me think about the mass of water and each droplet. Sometimes when we teach many students of have many employees or work with numbers, we forget the treasure that lies within every individual.
This made me think “imagine if every water drop was created with a purpose to be a part of a “whole” just as we are.
Water is so precious, rain is like “gold”, rivers and springs are like gold… having clean water in rain tanks especially when disasters strike is a source of life. Without water we can’t cook, flush the toilet, feed our family, clean/ feed our babies and children. Without clean water medical issues arise, and if not resolved, it can become detrimental. Water = LiFE! Clean rivers and waterfalls = clean hygienic people and clean oceans and marina.
Our spiritual water and nurturing our souls with the truth and in love is as important as clean drinking water. If we realize this, we will make sure that the water is treasured and treated with respect while using it as we need. It’s more important than words can ever even explain our bodies, souls and sprits know it…
Working with the many children and speaking about water and the importance of it. Watching them as they created their unique little water droplets giving them each their names. And treasuring working with the given art supplies.
From my end finishing it up with my own touch and creating this instillation for a good cause with a significant purpose. I hope this piece will help them continue with art and that you can play a part in it.
Thank you for reading and for your contribution to their lives.
Hands of Life
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“Coconut plantation and Kapkap(Swift)”
Artist name: Elaine Moli
Artist’s statement:
In the early 1800’s the villagers (natives from Pango) were working in the coconut plantation. The only water source they would drink from was miles away. One day they spotted this bird flying to and for a certain place, to their amazement it was a water source (underground water), so they dug it up and named it Ekpamer. Which means “You again”. It served the people of Pango for a good number of years, even my mother-in-law (Ambaean) said when she came to live in Pango (married to my father-in-law from Pango) it was their main source of supply to get water and wash their clothes. This underground well is located in the heart of the village near the football field but is no longer used as people no use the main supply from Unelco. Even though it’s no longer in use it still holds memories of old for the elders and hopefully one day it can be preserved for history.
Floodgates of Heaven
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“Floodgates of Heaven”
(precious rain)
Artist name: Melissa Blumberg-Booth
Artist’s statement:
The dry season here on Efate made me long for more rain, the calm soft type.
I’m touched by how often rain gets for granted especially living in the tropics (where it rains a lot ). It becomes more evident to me in the dry season, especially how much we actually need rain and reminds me of my time in Ethiopia and other places of the world like India when everything was so dry and dusty. They do rain dances in the tribes of Ethiopia and pray for it to rain. When it eventually rains they celebrate every drop. Some even weep and make loud noises of gratitude. That’s why the water drop and the flowing water from heaven represents something that is more worth than gold to me, ( which also becomes evident in my other pieces.) The song of Michael W. Smith called “Open the floodgates of Heaven” really brought me to tears when it popped up on a playlist. I especially listend to music that carried the significance of water in a spiritual way. This is why it’s called “Floodgates of Heaven”.
Water is so precious, rain is like “gold” having clean water in rain tanks especially when disasters strike is a source of life. Without water we can’t cook, flush the toilet, feed our family, clean our babies and children. Without clean water medical issues arise, and if not resolved can’t become detrimental. Water =LiFE!
Our spiritual water and nurturing our souls with the truth and in love is as important as clean drinking water. If we realise this we will make sure that the water is treasured and treated with respect while using it as we need.
The most enjoyable part of creating this piece called “ Flood Gates of Heaven” out of my Wota i toktok collecton...I could “zone out”. It took me to a whole new place spiritually, all I felt was the flow of pure beautiful rain I thought of golden rain flowing out of heaven and a purification process of the actual drop and it landing here on earth as we know it. That’s why this drop is not golden on the canvas but shows it’s heavenly journey.
Also working with a lot more water in my piece and materials that could create a feeling of something royal, soft, yet bold and heavenly.
Water, Sanitation & our Senses
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“Water, Sanitation & our Senses”
Artist name: Stephanie HamelArtist’s statement:
As a water and environmental engineer, I see sanitation and hygiene as close companions of water. What inspired me in this installation is the idea - common in places like Japan - of transforming even a ‘small room’ (toilet) into a pleasant space where our senses are gently engaged: our eyes drawn to fairy lights, our sense of smell awakened by flowery or incense perfumes, and our hearing soothed by sounds of he sea.
I let you appreciate some pictures of nice small rooms scattered across Vanuatu.
Wota Mama
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“Wota Mama”
Artist name: Gaga & BenArtist’s statement:
The music starts with the rhythms of the Water Mamas, a cultural group from the Banks. We wanted to showcase this beautiful kastom of Vanuatu by using their traditional beat in our music and wrote “Wota Mama”, a song about water and motherhood.
Water is essential. It is vital, it is soothing, it makes the soul sing.
We collaborated with two talented singers, Sheila Wills from Vanuatu and Marina Do Mar, visiting from Brazil. Hanging out with them and the Water Mamas for the filming of the music video was memorable: we danced, we laughed, and we sang at the top of our lungs!
So many stars aligned, we feel blessed.