Christopher Ulutupu – 2024 Artist in residence
Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies Artist in Residence: 23rd August – 5th November 2024
Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Whakatů, of Niuean, Samoan, and German heritage. Ulutupu’s practice uses moving-image and photography to explore the Pacific diaspora in Aotearoa. This work began by researching postcards of Sāmoa created in the 1900s for European audiences, which fuelled a range of tourist imaginaries based on stereotypes (dusky maiden, muscular warrior, etc.) . Ulutupu’s practice aims to subvert the camera lens and understand the ramifications for marginalized communities when the westerner gaze is the only lens through which we view our own culture. Colonisation has made it harder for indigenous people to imagine their lives outside of these tourist imaginaries, narratives further perpetuated by the media.
Noriyuki Segawa – Visiting Scholar (1st September 2024 – 31st August 2024)
Segawa’s research explores prospects of Japan’s Pacific diplomacy and the impact of education system on ethnic relations in Fiji. Segawa is also interested in how Japan can collaborate with New Zealand for the benefit of Pacific Island countries in all areas including economy, society, and security.
