Fibre Gallery is the first of its kind in Te Wai Pounamu, a distinctly Moana-focused gallery dedicated to showcasing community-engaged, digital, and heritage artworks by Moana creatives.
Based in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Fibre Gallery is committed to increasing the visibility of Pacific artists and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of contemporary Pacific art among New Zealanders. By providing resources, opportunities, and a platform to amplify creative voices, we celebrate the richness of Pacific artistry and its role in shaping cultural expression.
Our mission extends to building connections between contemporary Pacific voices and wider social and political conversations, ensuring Pacific creativity plays a vital role in broader narratives.
We proudly acknowledge Ngāi Tūāhuriri iwi as mana whenua of this takiwā and as the rightful custodians of the land on which we stand.
PRESENT
HOLD ME
28 March- 9 May
Vallé- Tali Enjalas Jenkinson
Director of photography - John Ross
The way we consume music has drastically shifted over the years, and this exhibition, created through the collaboration of Vallé and John Ross, challenges that transformation beautifully. It takes us through the evolving landscapes of how music is distributed and experienced, from the tangible excitement of visiting CD stores to the overwhelming digital age we find ourselves in now.
For many, including myself, there’s a nostalgic feeling attached to the old way of engaging with music. I vividly remember the thrill of walking into a CD store as a child. There was something magical about wandering the aisles, discovering new albums, and maybe even stumbling upon an unexpected gem. Even if I couldn’t afford to buy anything, there was always the chance to listen before making a decision. Those listening stations, where you could sample the latest releases, provided a personal connection to the music before committing to it—something we don’t quite experience today.
One particular memory that stands out was unwrapping Savages' single "Moonshine". I spent hours studying the artwork, trying to understand how it connected with the track’s haunting narrative. The song itself was incredible, and its exploration of alcohol as a toxic relationship resonated deeply with me. Without the artwork, I might never have grasped the full depth of what the artist was trying to say. This is the power of music paired with visual art—something that’s often lost in today’s streaming world.
Now, the way music reaches us has changed entirely. Artists are no longer just creating albums or singles—they are now content creators, feeding into algorithms designed to keep us hooked. Digital platforms reward short-form media, and creators are constantly churning out content, competing for our attention. In this cycle, the focus is less about crafting meaningful, cohesive works and more about quantity and engagement. The art of music-making has been redefined, often at the expense of creative integrity.
This exhibition doesn’t just look at the surface of this shift; it delves into the implications of this new way of engaging with art. It touches on the impact of the constant demand for content, the numbing effects of oversaturation, and the disillusionment many artists face as they are forced to chase metrics rather than meaningful connections with their audience.
Ultimately, what this exhibition highlights is the value of genuine perception. In an era where we are bombarded with endless streams of media, there’s something deeply rewarding about slowing down and truly engaging with music—not just as content, but as an art form with depth and meaning.
Artist Bio
2020 marked a standout year for Vallé, with the release of two of his best singles to date: “Trip Advisor” and “Prodigy”. “Trip Advisor” received international acclaim, even earning a spot on Apple Music’s Music 1 radio show. The high-energy video, shot in his native Papua New Guinea, earned Vallé a nomination for Best Pacific Music Video at the 2021 Pacific Music Awards, further elevating his profile.
Building on this success, Vallé co-wrote “Trouble Finds A Girl” for New Zealand artist Jenny Mitchell, which went on to win the APRA Best Country Music Song award in 2022. That same year, Vallé released his debut EP “Caged Birds”, which quickly garnered over 270,000 streams across digital platforms, showcasing his growing fanbase and wide appeal.
In 2023, Vallé reached another significant milestone, contributing to the book “Pacific Arts Aotearoa” by Lana Lopesi, published by Penguin Books. This marked his first time contributing to a major literary project, underscoring his influence beyond music. As Vallé continues to carve his path in the music and cultural spheres, his work remains a powerful reflection of Pacific artistry and creativity.
@theofficalvalle
Future
Call for Entries
Fibre Gallery is excited to announce the 'Aimata's National Secondary School Pacific Arts Awards 2025 and invites all secondary school students and recent leavers to submit.
Submission Guidelines:
Your artwork can be in any medium (film, photography, digital, printmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture. There is no theme.
Students must be between 15-19 years old, recent High School leavers included.
All entries will be judged by a panel of esteemed guests, including respected artists and cultural leaders.
Submissions due: 6th April
Documentation:
If you are submitting a digital photograph, film or digital work simply send us a file. If you need to document a sculpture, installation, drawing or painting, look at the video link below to get tips for documentation.
https://youtu.be/CrWssPzsRuk?feature=shared
Prizes:
The top three winners will receive the following cash prizes:
1st Prize: $2000
2nd Prize: $1500
3rd Prize: $1000
Additionally, the top 10 shortlisted artworks will be exhibited at Fibre Gallery in May 2025. All freight costs for shipping artwork to and from the gallery will be fully covered by Fibre Gallery.
Winners of all 3 categories will be flown to Christchurch to receive their awards at the opening ceremony. Flights and accommodation will be provided for the winners if needed.
The 'Aimata Awards are dedicated to supporting and celebrating emerging Pacific artists, Pacific arts, and culture. We encourage all secondary school students to participate in this opportunity to showcase their talent.
If you have any questions please email: aimataawards@tagatamoana.com
Entry Form
Visit Us
Location
Level 1, 285 Cashel Street
Christchurch Central
Hours
Wednesday–Friday
10am–4pm