patterns of the universe

Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi is interested in string theory. The lalava or lashings that form the basis of traditional Tongan buildings have, in his hands, been turned into three decades of sculpture, drawings and paintings and a theory of everything from a Pacific perspective.

Three years ago, the Mangere Arts Centre mounted a show of his early stone sculptures.

Part two on show now consists of works since then in other materials, showing the rich, sophisticated visual language he has created. The traditional basis for the work is emphasised in the first works, three wall pieces of wood lashed together with sisal.

Then follows reproductions of some of the thousands of drawings he has done, exploring the patterns that emerge from woven fibre.

"If I unravel one pattern, there are 2000 variations," Tohi says.

Forms are highlighted in some of the drawings. These forms are then worked on with a computer drawing programme or turned into small wooden maquettes.