Mataso Printmakers
Saires Kalo | Vanuatu b.1983 | Kavaman (from `Bebellic' portfolio) 2007 | Screenprint on Magnani paper ed.1/45 | 76 x 56cm | Purchased 2008. Queensland Art Gallery Foundation | Collection: Queensland Art Gallery
Patrik Abel b.unknown Mataso, Vanuatu | Eddy Bule b.1981 Mataso, Vanuatu| Stanley Firiam b.unknown Mataso, Vanuatu | Hendricks b.unknown Mataso, Vanuatu | Saires Kalo Mataso, Vanuatu 1983–2009 | David Kolin b.1983 Mataso, Vanuatu| Herveline Lité b.1980 Mataso, Vanuatu | Apia Najos b.unknown Mataso, Vanuatu | Sepa Seule b.1983 Mataso, Vanuatu | Simeon Simix b. 1981 Mataso, Vanuatu | Priscilla Thomas b. unknown Mataso, Vanuatu | Live and work in Ohlen Village, Port Vila, Vanuatu
The fresh, bold works by the Mataso Printmakers exude freedom in their choice of colour and subject matter. These young artists represent a new post-independence generation of ni-Vanuatu women and men. They originally came together in 2004 for a series of workshops developed by the Australian artist Newell Harry. Most of them come from the island of Mataso, which is situated 50 kilometres off the capital island of Efate. Due to economic circumstances, Mataso islanders have relocated to the satellite village of Ohlen in Port Vila, and have grown up amid outside influences like television, advertising, bars, reggae and soul music. The prints reflect the changes that have occurred since independence in 1980, while also drawing on stylistic forms derived from kastom lore and cultural practices such as sand drawing. They form one of the most exciting bodies of contemporary work to emerge from Vanuatu. APT6 will include a large suite of screenprints and some paintings that are energised by customary practices, as well as directly engaging with a continually modernising Vanuatu.
