The exhibition’s private view was well attended by friends, family, art peers and locals. Drinks were served by the beautiful Lini, and four of the 11 works were sold on the night. Plans to do an interesting ‘not Pacific art’ tattoo performance with ARTSPACE Director, Misal Adnan Yildiz were hatched, and stories and memories shared of Mt Eden’s interesting art history and shifting demographics. The shop was filled with talanoa and laughter, Island reggae and the buzzing of the tattoo machine – a dream opening!

I’m super grateful for the opportunity to work with Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio. Thank you to barber, Willy, for letting us share your space. And thank you Raymond Sagapolutele and Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi for taking beautiful shots on opening night.

U Can’t Touch This is up until Saturday 1 August, all artwork sold is available for collection from Monday 3 August. The next exhibition in the series, That’s not Pacific Art features new and recent work by Fa’afeu Kapeneta, ‘Ana Lakusa, Qingze Nan and Genevieve Pini. It opens on Thursday 6 August from 6-8pm at Big Willie Legacy Barber & Tattoo Studio – all welcome!