Review: Artspace's The tongue to them
A short review of The tongue to them, available at Artspace until October 4.
Artspace is hosting its third exhibition of the year, centred on the question: Is language large enough? Darcell Apelu, Martha Atienza, Heidi Brickell, Buck Nin, and Yee I-Lann’s response to this curious question is The tongue to them, an exhibition that explores how a shared root tongue produces meaningful dialogue and cultural connection.
Hailing from Aotearoa, the Philippines, and Malaysia, these artists share a linguistic history that connects their physically distant communities. This exhibition is a family affair of the Austronesian languages that highlights not just the similarities of their languages but also their colonial experience and lived realities. Community, collaboration, and relationships are evident in their works, helping the artists explore their similarities through symbolism and visual language. Each artist uses a different medium, like woven tikar and rimurapa, to share stories of resistance and resilience. Despite the variety, each artist’s work reveals a shared understanding that transcends speech and lexicon.
The intimacy of Artspace is essential for the viewer to reflect on the works and the question they seek to answer. From investigating the boundaries that distinguish us to questioning the limits of language, you will gain a deeper appreciation for dialogue, connection, and expression.
The tongue to them is brilliant and moving, showcasing the threads that tie us all together. Take a leisurely walk to Artspace to check out this remarkable exhibition and support Karangahape Road’s local businesses!
