TUPITO GADALLA

Artist’s Statement:

Growing up in American Samoa and living on the ocean, I would watch the birds Fly and play over the water. Using the Fa’a tuli (sand piper) and the Fa’a gogo (tern) I am able to bring this movement to my work. Through this process I am able to twist, angle and manipulate the movements of the birds to create images. Using these symbols offers the most opportunity for creativity.

Bio:

Born in American Samoa, raised in the coastal western village of Vaitogi, Tupito Walker Gadalla grew up with Siapo all around her. Her grandmother, Mary J. Pritchard, was a renowned Siapo artist and artist in residence in American Samoa. Tupito made her first tapa on a heart shape board when she was 5 years old. It resembled a one eyed pirate. Tupito traveled extensively with her grandmother demonstrating Siapo. She had her first exhibition when she was 17 years old in American Samoa. In 1985 Tupito moved to San Diego where she continued to create Siapo. She also demonstrated at various Pacific Islanders Festivals and taught several workshops at San Diego State University, the University of California San Diego and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Among the challenges Tupito encountered being away from home, was the availability of supplies. Accustomed to just stepping out into the bush to harvest her own supplies, Tupito learned to adapt to her new environment. This was something she learned from her grandmother. Over the centuries Siapo itself has continued to adapt and evolve. Tupito continues to adapt, create and teach the art of Siapo in the in the tradition of her grandmother.

For more information on Tupito Gadalla’s work, please visit Siapo.com

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