Taloi Havini's 'Reclamation' at Artspace Sydney critiques resource imperialism in Bougainville
The inaugural solo exhibition of Taloi Havini in Australia, titled 'Reclamation,' was held at Artspace in Sydney from January 17 to February 23, 2020. Originating from Bougainville, the artist examines the consequences of the Panguna mine on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, delving into themes of displacement and the civil conflict that erupted in 1988, which claimed over 15,000 lives. Featured works include the wallpaper prints 'Copper mineral #1, detail. Habitat' and 'Copper mineral #2, detail. Habitat' (2018–19), along with a 1965 'Bougainville District Map' (2019). The four-channel video 'Habitat,' narrated by Kuntamari Crofts, critiques Australia’s imperialist history, while the installation 'Reclamation' (2020) reflects indigenous culture and aligns with Bougainville's recent independence referendum.
Key facts
- Taloi Havini's first Australian solo exhibition ran from 17 January to 23 February 2020 at Artspace in Sydney.
- The exhibition focuses on the Panguna mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, which caused displacement and a civil war starting in 1988.
- Over 15,000 deaths resulted from the secessionist rebellion linked to the mine's activities.
- Works include wallpaper prints from the video 'Habitat' showing copper ore contamination and a 1965 map redrawn by Australian administration.
- The four-channel video 'Habitat' is narrated by Bougainvillean activist Kuntamari Crofts in her native language.
- Havini collaborates with female members of her Hakö community, emphasizing matrilineal systems.
- The installation 'Reclamation' (2020) features locally sourced palm and cane constructions made by clan groups.
- The exhibition responds to Bougainville's recent independence referendum, critiquing Australian resource imperialism.
Entities
Artists
- Taloi Havini
- Kuntamari Crofts
Institutions
- Artspace
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Bougainville
- Papua New Guinea
- Oceania
- South Nasioi