‘Uhila Kanongata‘a Nai is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in Pelehake, Tonga, and Aotearoa.

Nai’s practice focuses on the Tongan koloa of ngatu and its kupesi. Nai’s practice is grounded in the Tongan way of thinking, making, and doing, while adapting to the present day; a practice that exists within and across the past, Tonga, and the present, Aotearoa, as seen in the movement between people, land, and materials. 

Nai’s practice also looks at the Tongan term ‘heliaki’, a metaphorical language of ‘to say one thing means another. For ‘Uhila, kupesi is a heliaki in forms and shapes, prompting her to wonder about the depth of knowledge, history, and stories embedded in these kupesi designs, as they pass down within and across generations. Nai’s practice also takes interest in the relationship – the vā between herself and the collection of kupesi left by her Nena with her, as the question arises, how can I tauhi (take care) what my nena left with me, and create a work that speaks to the depth of the relationship between herself and the past. Working with the method of veteki (taking . apart/unpacking) in any aspect of her practice in order to create and design new kupesi. A practice that acknowledges mark-making that speaks to intergenerational knowledge, tukufakaholo (knowledge, archival documents, bloodlines, tools, and stories), tupu’anga (place of origin), mape (mapping), fonua (land), and ngāue fakataha (working togethe).Ð'dNai completed the Bachelor of Visual Arts in 2018, the Master of Visual Arts (First Class Honors) in 2022, and is now completing her Doctor of Philosophy studies at the Auckland University of Technology. She has received multiple awards, exhibited across Auckland, and received an International Residency. This includes the Vā Moana Pacific Spaces Postgraduate Award (2021), The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Award for Visual Arts (2023), and Art Ripple: Taitung Artist Residency, Taiwan, Taitung at Abus Bunun Traditional Costume Workshop (2023). Hala Kafa at Aro Toi/Art Collection in Focus: A Gift, A Celebration, An Invitation at Te Pātaka Art Toi Gallery, Wellington (2024).