E lē galo le tai // The tide is never forgotten
Curated by Brown Town
Devyn Baileh, Tai Timu, 2026. Photo courtesy of the artist.
11.07.26
16.08.26
Across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean), people and moana (ocean) have an intrinsic and enduring relationship.
The ocean carries traces of those who have crossed it, holding mātauranga (knowledge) of tides and currents, and memory of departure and return. E lē galo le tai positions the moana as a vessel for memory, holding haerenga (journeys) and histories moving within us.
Our connection to the moana is an elemental understanding of who we are. It shapes connection to whakapapa (genealogy), movement, belonging, and home. Like the tide, our understanding of these things are never fixed. They ebb and flow, returning in new forms, and finding expression through art, story-telling, and creative practice.
This exhibition brings together artists from across the motu (country), responding to the kaupapa (theme) in their own ways. Distinct in form and feeling, the work reflects the many meanings held within the moana, and the eternal pull of the waters that continue to shape and guide us.
Noa Hāmana (Ngāti Kura, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Toa, Ingarangi), 'Manu' - detail, Acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 900mm x 900mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Niko Talamahina (Niue: Alofi Tokelau, Avatele and Sāmoa: Vaimoso, Vaialua, Utulei, Tutuila) 'Can you hear me brother?' Sound installation with field recordings, 20 minutes, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Tui Emma Gillies (Vava‘u Tonga, New Zealand) 'The Sea is Home', Tongo, umea, acrylic paint, ink & Falevai, Vava’u kupesi, 1000mm x 800mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Abigail Hau, (Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi), 'e taupunga ana ki tai', Ōtautahi salt water, silver nitrate, te rā, 300gsm cold-pressed watercolour paper, 390mm x 395mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Abigail Hau, (Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi), 'e taupunga ana ki tai' - detail, Ōtautahi salt water, silver nitrate, te rā, 300gsm cold-pressed watercolour paper, 390mm x 395mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Pounamu Rurawhe, (Ngaati Tukorehe, Te Rarawa, Ngaapuhi, Ngaati Raukawa),'Whakamahu' Experimental, sculptural and sensual video work, 5:57 minutes, 2023, photo credit Owen Spargo
Evelina Lolesi, (Fa‘atoia, Sāmoa), 'Intertidal Drawing #6', Sea water and ink drawings, 430mm x 297mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Bri Leone-Rhea Lawrence, (Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa), 'Want a cuppa, bub?' Audio installation, 9:25 minutes, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Darlene Jones (Left to right) 'Not Ours To Carry: Responds to the Moon, Not a Captain', 'Not Ours To Carry: Tongue Tied', 'Not Ours To Carry: Collective Current' All Digital illustration, 420mm x 297mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Darlene Jones, 'Not Ours To Carry: Tongue Tied' - detail, Digital illustration, 420mm x 297mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
Ana Hislop (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha), 'Te Taha Wairua', Installation voile fabric, thread, kererū feathers, Single channel, digital video and sound, 16:59 minutes, 1053mm x 1500mm x 4000mm, 2024, photo credit Owen Spargo
Ana Hislop (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha), 'Te Taha Wairua' - detail, Installation voile fabric, thread, kererū feathers, Single channel, digital video and sound, 16:59 minutes, 1053mm x 1500mm x 4000mm, 2024, photo credit Owen Spargo
'E lē galo le tai // The tide is never forgotten' - Installation shot, Curated by Brown Town, photo credit Owen Spargo
'E lē galo le tai // The tide is never forgotten' - Installation shot, Curated by Brown Town, photo credit Owen Spargo
'E lē galo le tai // The tide is never forgotten' - Installation shot, Curated by Brown Town, photo credit Owen Spargo
'E lē galo le tai // The tide is never forgotten' - Installation shot, Curated by Brown Town, photo credit Owen Spargo
Noa Hāmana (Ngāti Kura, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Toa, Ingarangi), Left - 'mākutu', Acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 500mm x 500mm, 2026, Right - 'Manu', Acrylic and oil stick on canvas, 900mm x 900mm, 2026, photo credit Owen Spargo
The Artists
Exhibiting artists: Darlene Jones, Tui Emma Gillies, Bri Leone-Rhea Lawrence, Pounamu Rurawhe, Noa Hāmana, Evelina Lolesi, Niko Talamahina, Ana Hislop, Abigail Hau.
Contributing writers: Luz-Eliana Folau-Brown, Ana Mulipola, Alyx Devlin, Roman Lytollis, Sylvia Anitele’a