Etanah Lalau-Talapa
Afega & Sa’anapu, Samoa
About the Artist
Etanah Lalau Talapa (b. 1995, Te Awakairangi-ki-Tai (Lower Hutt), Te Whanganui-a-Tara, (Wellington) is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator with Afega and Sa’anapu heritage from Samoa. She studied for her Bachelor of Design in Spatial Design at the College of Creative Arts Massey University. Her creative practice includes public installations, digital art, mixed media, and photography, with a passion for nurturing the surrounding community arts. As a mother of two, Etanah’s work explores themes of womanhood, motherhood, family lineage, and the Pacific diaspora experience in Aotearoa, NZ. Her creations often merge traditional Samoan elements with contemporary creative forms, reflecting her cultural heritage. Etanah also serves as the Community Arts Facilitator for Hutt City Council, where she continues to support local creative initiatives.
Te Ara i Whiti
O Le Malamalama o le Loto Fa’amagalo (The Light of Forgiveness), 2024
‘O le malamalama o le loto fa’amagalo’ is an immersive light and sound installation inspired by the Samoan legend of Tapuitea, a celestial figure whose unwavering love and quest for forgiveness illuminates the night sky to guide humanity. This installation reflects Tapuitea’s role as the guardian of the stars, symbolising hope, redemption, and the transformative power of forgiveness.
‘O Le malamalama o le loto fa’amagalo’ stands as a reminder of the power of compassion and reconciliation. Through Tapuitea’s story, the installation calls on viewers to reflect on their own lives and consider forgiveness as a daily practice. It highlights that despite global injustices and personal grievances, the act of forgiveness is a profound expression of love and a beacon of hope that can guide us through the darkest times.
The Legend of Tapuitea (Brief re-told story)
There once born a girl named Tapuitea in Falealupo village who was a female cannibal. She devoured two of her siblings which made her parents, Faagalo and Tuimaseve very scared and they ran away into the bush. Toiva was her youngest brother who went one day to dip at the pool of Salia. Tapuitea spied on him while he climbed the fasa tree. Toiva’s shadow fell on a rock in the pool and Tapuitea rushed out gnawing at the rock, thinking it was her brother.
Toiva watched his sister and severely rebuked her. He reprimanded; What a girl you are! You have already devoured your sisters and now you want to eat me. Go, go away’. Tapuitea was embarrassed and felt remorseful, she declared; ‘All right, I will go. From this day I shall ascend to the heavens and I shall reappear in the evening to provide you and our parents with light when you eat your supper. When you go pigeon snaring early in the morning, I shall also be there to light you on the way’.
When the Planet Tapuitea (Venus) shows in the evening, it is called, ‘matamemea’, the evening star. When it shows in the morning, it is called ‘fetu ao’, the morning starlight.
When the story of Tapuitea is shared with the young, it serves as a reminder to both young and old that Tapuitea, originating from the earth, committed grave wrongs but was genuinely remorseful. Her quest for forgiveness was demonstrated through her penance as the morning starlight and evening star, embodying her sincere repentance.
In using the morning and evening star as a source of guidance her kin acknowledge her service and provide forgiveness.
Tala o le Vavau (The Myths, Legends and Customs of Old Samoa). Adapted from the collections of C Stuebel, A Kramer and brother Herman.
You can find “O Le Malamalama o le Loto Fa’amagalo” at Te Ara i whiti from October 4 – October 13, 2024 at Kelvin and Marina Park.
Audience Discretion Notice:
You are welcome to walk through the artwork installation and onto the platform.
