Telly Tuita

“I collect items and iconography that connect with personal narratives and idealised views of places from the past.”

A Tongan multi-disciplinary artist never afraid to experiment and develop his practice, beautifully combining tradition with the contemporary.

Telly Tuita was born in Tonga in 1980 and immigrated to Brisbane, Australia in 1989. In 2017, Telly immigrated to Lyall Bay, Wellington, NZ. Telly has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Western Sydney University, a Bachelor of Art Education from the University of New South Wales, and a Masters in Special Education through the University of Sydney. Telly has been and a High School art teacher, a Special education teacher and an Assistant Principal at Green Square School primary school and community centre (2015 – 2017).

‘Art After Hours: F’Rock Da Base’ with the Pacific Sisters, 2019, Photo by Art History Society AKL

Still from ‘ia teu, ia alofa, ia puipui, ina tasi, 2019, Film by Hōhua Kurene

After working in education Telly returned to art making, full time. Telly Tuita’s art practice encompasses painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, photo media and performance. He has exhibited in exhibitions in Australia and New Zealand, and has work in the collection of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Telly’s installation titled I LEFT MY HEART IN TONGPOP showcases ten years of a body of work that carries the spirit of Oceania.

SALTWATER / Interconnectivity artist Telly Tuita talks about where culture is rooted and the pride of seeing Pacific arts and artists flourishing in Aotearoa.

Video by NoSix.

“Memory is such a powerful thing. I could have the sad story of – I was taken away from my culture, I was taken away from Tonga… but I think if culture is strong enough it will never leave you and as you can see, you are the culture.”
- Telly Tuita