1 October, 2024

Pasifika people power a winner for Rosmini artist

Rosmini College student Patrick Lemeki with the boldly expressive painting that made him a national winner, chosen from secondary school art on display at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington this month.
The Year 11 student said when he went to see the show with his dad and nana, he was overwhelmed by the talent on display and worried his work might not be up to scratch. But his acrylic painting, Power to the People, was judged best in the Kaupapa Pasifika category of the annual New Zealand Qualifications Authority Ringa Toi exhibition, which showcases artwork at NZQA excellence level.
Patrick said it was “heartwarming” that the painting – deeply rooted in his heritage and reflecting growing up as a young Tongan male on the North Shore – was acknowledged and its message of empowerment understood. The intent, he said, was “to tell the story of the struggles my people went through to get my generation where we are today”.
He envisaged it as a mural, visually connecting culture and identity and forging links between people and place.
Patrick says he will keep up his art through school, but is also considering studying engineering.
He says he likes letting his creative side take over. “I find it therapeutic ‘cause it’s a nice change of pace from the busy world.” It is also a great medium to convey ideas that “the mouth can’t fully explain”, including social justice.
Students’ works are on show at Te Papa until 27 September.

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