Australian Artist Jasmine Togo-Brisby Launches Exhibition in New Zealand

Pātaka Art+Museum in Porirua, New Zealand, has launched an exhibition and accompanying book titled ungeographic, showcasing the work of Jasmine Togo-Brisby, an Australian South Sea Island artist. This exhibition marks a significant return for Togo-Brisby, who previously lived in Wellington. The event highlights the cultural heritage of Australian South Sea Islanders, descendants of individuals who were brought to Australia between 1847 and 1904 as indentured labourers for the sugar and cotton industries.

The exhibition’s lead curator, Ioana Gordon-Smith, engaged in a candid conversation with Togo-Brisby about her artistic journey and the significance of this mid-career survey. Togo-Brisby expressed her surprise at the opportunity, noting that she had not anticipated a show of this magnitude in her career. She emphasized that Gordon-Smith was instrumental in her early career, having been the first curator to present her work in Aotearoa at Te Uru in Auckland back in 2016.

Reflections on Artistic Growth

Returning to Wellington and Porirua evokes strong memories for Togo-Brisby, who once worked in a jewellery store in the Porirua mall. She reflected on how her younger self would have never imagined hosting an exhibition of her work. The ungeographic exhibition features her earliest piece, Bitter Sweet, created in 2015 during her time at the Queensland College of Art. Presenting this work alongside her more recent pieces has allowed her to recognize a consistent thought process throughout her decade-long career.

Togo-Brisby expressed particular excitement about two significant works in the exhibition: Ceiling Centre, a wall-hung plaster piece resembling a ceiling rosette, and As Above So Below, an immersive spatial installation. She noted that while these works differ in scale and presentation, they both explore the concepts of space and ornamentation. Their placement allows for a dialogue between the pieces, enhancing the visitor experience and offering deeper insights into her artistic narrative.

Creating Dialogue through Art

Togo-Brisby aims for her work to facilitate conversations about the experiences of South Sea Islanders and to contextualize their history within the broader scope of global enslavement. She employs architectural elements, such as lighting, to evoke emotional responses from viewers. Feedback from visitors often ranges from delight to sadness, guilt, or anger, illustrating the powerful impact of her art. She hopes attendees will engage with their emotions and reflect on their feelings in relation to her work.

Looking ahead, Togo-Brisby has several projects lined up in Australia, the UK, and Europe. She is particularly excited about a five-year research initiative in collaboration with academic and curatorial colleagues from Germany and Australia, focusing on the histories of Anglo and German plantations in the Western Pacific.

The exhibition ungeographic is on display at Pātaka Art+Museum until November 9, 2023, inviting audiences to explore the rich narratives embedded in Togo-Brisby’s art and the cultural history it represents.