ATA is Samoan for a shadow, the morning dawn, a spirit, the emblem of a spirit or a god, a reflected image or the stem of the ‘ava plant. It is where this word is placed in context that we are able to understand how its shifting meaning is applicable to being the name of this exhibition of contemporary Samoan artists.
Expressing identity of the personal and the communal permeates this exhibition in all its states — time/place/context. ATA brings together contemporary artists of Samoan descent who, through their practices, are influenced by the shadows of the past. But, unsatisfied with the pigeonholing of their culture and the status quo of traditional art practices, the artists of ATA push forward with the strong sense of self, the desire to be recognized as a community with value and to have a voice that speaks beyond conventions. There are no nostalgic notions of returning to the past, but rather to be in the present, taking the essence of being Samoan and incorporating it into a contemporary dialog.
— Chuck Feesago
