The Art of Conversation 4 — Salome Tanuvasa

The second conversation of the series features Salome Tanuvasa, a New Zealand-born Tongan-Sāmoan artist whose practice responds directly to her environment and surroundings.

Certain shapes, colours and motifs recur and, by utilising what is around her in poetic and intuitive ways, the artist often speaks to the wider experience of Pacific people living in Aotearoa.

Salome works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, textiles, photography and video. She is interested in speaking directly to the work of women like her mother, a seamstress, and her textile banner works – rather than being about ‘craft’ – are explorations of labour and joy within and beyond the domestic realm.

Of her practice, she says: “I don’t like wasting materials, and I love challenging myself and seeking potential in mundane objects and offcuts. This gives me a new sense of hope every time.”

Salome completed her Masters degree at Elam School of Fine Arts in 2014 and she followed this with a Diploma in Secondary Teaching. She is represented by Tim Melville Gallery, and lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The Art of Conversation is a series of free events highlighting artists who share connections to East Auckland. Each invited artist will talk about their work and practice in their favourite local café, bar, or restaurant. These informal conversations aim to move away from the traditional format of artist talks while also supporting local businesses.

Attendance at the talks is free, but participants are encouraged to purchase a drink and/or something to eat upon arrival to support the chosen venue.

Curated by Giulia Pianelli, the fourth iteration of The Art of Conversation will take place over five weekends throughout November 2026 and will feature an exciting line-up of artists: Carla Ruka, Salome Tanuvasa, Lina Castro, Sahana Rahman, and Gary $ilipa.

This is a project funded by Arts Out East, supported by Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.

Giulia is an art professional and curator committed to supporting socially and politically engaged practices. She sees her work as a way to amplify activist messages and foster cross-cultural exchange through contemporary art.

Originally from Italy, Giulia is currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau, where she works as Marketing Lead at The Arts House Trust. She previously held positions at Te Tuhi and at other galleries and organisations across Aotearoa and Europe. She is also developing an independent curatorial practice, with recent projects including Le Vu and Rebekah Sohn: Lines We Carry, Franklin Arts Centre (2026) and noa hāmana: Haerenga, Studio One Toi Tū (2026).

Giulia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, a Master's degree in Global Marketing from the University of Milan, and a diploma in Australian Aboriginal Art History from Curtin University (Perth).

She is incredibly excited to be curating the fourth edition of The Art of Conversation and to present such an amazing line-up of artists. Carla, Salome, Lina, Sahana, and Gary all come from different backgrounds and engage with distinct artistic practices, reflecting the vibrant diversity that makes the East Auckland community so unique.

Event venue & nearby stays

Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Cafe, 280 Botany Road, Auckland, New Zealand

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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