Filipe Tohi

Haukafa - Haukafa is the name of Tongan traditional binding methods, also known as lalava,traditionally made with sennit (kafa processed coconut fibre). The lalava is usually done with two colors - however, Haukafa is traditionally binding with either one or two colors of sennit.

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Haukulasi - Haukulasi is a practice invented by Tohi which uses traditional techniques to create a new form using wool, wood and nails. This originates from Haukafa and employs nearly the same technique. Instead of being placed on a circular post, the Haukulasi is laid out on a surface, usually done on a flattened rectangular shape(see De Young Mesuem installation). Wool provides a variety of dramatic colors, allowing Tohi to experiment with optical play. Size 1200 x 600mm.

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Haupapa - Haupapa is the term used by Tohi to describe his work base on Lalava created in wood. Like Haukulasi, Haupapa is based upon the patterns of Haukafa but brings lashing into large scale, three dimensional sculptural forms. Tohi wants to provide the public with a mean to interact with patterns and encourages these to be viewed from different position so as to see all the possible angles.

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Haukamea - Three dimentional sculptural forms. This is another instance where Tohi wants to encourange interaction with patterns and this should be viewed from variety of locations so as to see all possible angles. Tohi is featured artist in the Tangata O Le Moana: Pacific Peoples in New Zealand exhibition at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand in Wellington.

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Haupuha - Haupuha is the tranfering of traditional Haukafa patterns to create a form that explores volume with illusion and lines. These forms represent female and male binding patterns which are used within a pattern called Fakalava (a cross/combination) - so there is either a Female/ Fakalava Fefine or a Male/Fakalava Tangata.

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Ta Fotunga(Maka) - Ta Maka refers to the carving of traditional patterns of stone. The most common patterns used by Tohi are based upon geometric forms, often a combination of squares, triangles, and lines. Often this patterns are inspired by Tongan kupesi(Tapa cloth pattern boards) patterns as well as the Langi tombs of Tongatapu.

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Paintings - Tohi states, 'Traditional lalava are the source but these incorporate a touch of my own creativity...'

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