NAOMI FAIFAI Inner Workings | Solo Exhibition | 1 - 17 May 2025
ARTIST BIO
Naomi Faifai is a self-taught artist based in Timaru. From an early age, she felt an innate drive to create, constantly experimenting with different processes and materials—often using whatever was available at the time. This curiosity and resourcefulness have shaped her distinctive artistic approach.
Naomi’s work is rooted in mixed media, with a particular love for inks. She is drawn to their fluidity and unpredictability, embracing the organic movement and spontaneous outcomes they offer. Her creative process is intuitive, allowing each piece to evolve naturally.
Deeply influenced by her Samoan and Māori heritage, Naomi’s art reflects elements of Siapo (traditional tapa cloth) patterns, cultural motifs, and the beauty found in everyday moments. She infuses her work with a sense of playfulness, never taking herself—or the artistic process—too seriously. This lighthearted energy brings a unique vibrancy to her pieces, making them both engaging and dynamic.
Through her art, Naomi invites viewers to embrace spontaneity, find joy in imperfection, and connect with the cultural narratives woven into her work.
ARTIST STATEMENT Inner Workings
"In my work I take a closer look at the threads that weave together our everyday lives - the simple rituals, relationships, and histories that quietly shape who we are. My latest collection, Inner Workings, explores the influences that help shape both me and my creative process, from simple moments spent with whānau to the quiet rhythms of land and home.
As a self-taught artist finding connection with my Samoan and Māori roots, my practice reflects the ongoing exploration of my mixed heritage.
In these works I hope to playfully capture the energy and unexpected beauty that arises from daily tasks and connections, alongside more personal cultural exploration.
'Inner Workings' is an invitation to reflect on the elements that are often unseen yet ever-present, helping shape our identities and the stories we carry."