Pātaka Art+Museum Celebrates Jasmine Togo-Brisby’s Art

The Pātaka Art+Museum has unveiled a dual celebration of art and history with the launch of both a book and an exhibition titled ungeographic, featuring the works of Australian South Sea Island artist Jasmine Togo-Brisby. These events highlight Togo-Brisby’s journey as an artist and her connection to her heritage, showcasing her art’s profound themes and emotional resonance.

Australian South Sea Islanders, who are the descendants of individuals brought to Australia as indentured laborers between 1847 and 1904, find representation in Togo-Brisby’s work. The exhibition, curated by Ioana Gordon-Smith, is a significant mid-career survey that marks a pivotal moment for the artist, especially as it takes place in her former home of Wellington.

Artist’s Journey and Reflections

In a conversation with The Post, Togo-Brisby expressed her excitement about returning to the community where she had previously worked in a jewelry store. Reflecting on her artistic evolution, she stated, “The younger me…could never have anticipated having this exhibition.”

The exhibition features a range of her artworks, with the earliest piece being Bitter Sweet, created in 2015 during her studies at the Queensland College of Art. Togo-Brisby acknowledged that while her thought process has remained constant, her confidence in advocating for herself and her work has grown significantly over the years.

When asked about her favorite pieces in the exhibition, Togo-Brisby pointed to Ceiling Centre and As Above So Below. The former is a wall-hung plaster work that mimics a ceiling rosette, while the latter is described as a fully immersive spatial installation. She noted that displaying these works together creates a dialogue, enhancing visitors’ understanding of both pieces.

Creating Dialogue Through Art

Togo-Brisby aims to use her art to create a space for South Sea Islanders and to foster dialogue about their history and the broader context of global enslavement. She highlighted the emotional responses her work elicits, ranging from delight to sadness, guilt, or anger.

“I can’t control what they feel,” she explained, “all I know is that I want them to feel something.” Togo-Brisby emphasizes the importance of allowing audiences to sit with their emotions and reflect on their feelings in relation to her art.

As for future projects, Togo-Brisby is involved in a five-year research initiative with academics and curators from Germany and Australia to explore the histories of plantations in the Western Pacific.

Her exhibition, ungeographic, is currently on display at Pātaka Art+Museum and will run until November 9, 2023. This showcase not only underscores Togo-Brisby’s artistic contributions but also highlights the rich cultural narratives of Australian South Sea Islanders, ensuring their stories are heard and celebrated.