Taloi Havini: Reclamation

This one-day event will expand on Taloi Havini's solo exhibition Reclamation and the surrounding cultural and political landscape in Bougainville at this decisive moment in the region’s history. In particular following the recent landmark referendum for independence from Papua New Guinea in December 2019. Join us to explore Havini’s work and discuss Bougainville’s prospective future as the newest nation state.

Speakers include:

Taloi Havini, Artist;
Ben Bohane, Photojournalist and recipient of the inaugural Walkley's Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism in 2019;
Ruth McDougall, Curator, Pacific Art at the Queensland Art Gallery l Gallery of Modern Art;
Sana Balai, revered Bougainville elder born second-in-line to the current woman chief of the Nakaripa clan of the Hakö peoples from Buka Island’
Kuntamari Crofts, of the Barapang Matonaru Clan of South Nasioi central Bougainville and media broadcaster.

Program

1pm | Artist Talk

Taloi Havini in conversation with Ruth McDougall, Curator, Pacific Art at the Queensland Art Gallery l Gallery of Modern Art.

1.45pm | Talk with Ben Bohane 

Join Ben Bohane, Pacific Islands-based Photojournalist, following his coverage of the Bougainville referendum in December 2019, looking at the context and politics of the region.


Ben Bohane is a photojournalist who has covered Bougainville throughout the conflict and the years since. This talk follows from his receipt of the inaugural Walkley's Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism in 2019 to cover the Bougainville Referendum and his Lowy Institute Research paper ‘The Bougainville Referendum and Beyond’.

2.30pm | Share a meal from Mumum Pacific Soul Food

3pm | Performance Lecture with Sana Balai 

Balai will weave a history of Bougainville, civil war and family stories through a slideshow of personal images. 


Sana Balai is a revered Bougainville elder born second-in-line to the current woman chief of the Nakaripa clan of the Hakö peoples from Buka Island. Balai was one of the last of her people to undergo traditional initiation rites, and is a holder of cultural knowledge. Balai is also an independent curator and has worked for Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL), a subsidiary of Conzinc Rio Tinto, monitoring the environmental impacts of the Panguna mine in Central Bougainville. This lecture will traverse this history and Balai's experiences.

4pm | In conversation with Taloi Havini, Ben Bohane, Sana Balai and Kuntamari Crofts, moderated by Ruth McDougall. 

Expanding on the themes of the Reclamation exhibition through personal histories and experiences as well as thoughts for the future of Bougainville.