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

Pātaka Art+Museum in New Zealand recently unveiled an exhibition and accompanying book titled ungeographic, showcasing the works of Australian South Sea Island artist Jasmine Togo-Brisby. The exhibition highlights the unique cultural narratives and artistic expressions of Australian South Sea Islanders, descendants of individuals brought to Australia as indentured labourers between 1847 and 1904. The exhibition will run until November 9.

Curated by Ioana Gordon-Smith, the exhibition reflects Togo-Brisby’s artistic journey, including her participation in major international art events such as the Asia Pacific Triennial in Queensland, the Bangkok Art Biennale, and the Busan Biennale in South Korea. Togo-Brisby expressed that the opportunity to exhibit at Pātaka was particularly meaningful, as Gordon-Smith was the first curator to showcase her work in Aotearoa at Te Uru in Auckland back in 2016.

Returning to Wellington holds personal significance for Togo-Brisby. Reflecting on her past, she recalled working at a jewellery store in the Porirua mall for four years, a time when she never envisioned her work being featured in a significant exhibition.

Togo-Brisby noted that the exhibition presents a unique opportunity to see her artworks displayed together for the first time. The earliest piece in the show, Bitter Sweet, created in 2015, marks the beginning of her exploration into the themes she has continued to develop over the past decade. She acknowledged that while her thought processes have remained consistent, her confidence to advocate for her work has grown.

Among the works featured, Togo-Brisby highlighted two pieces that particularly resonate with her: Ceiling Centre, a plaster work resembling a ceiling rosette, and As Above So Below, an immersive installation. She described how these two contrasting pieces engage in a dialogue, enhancing visitors’ understanding of her themes surrounding space and ornamentation.

“I make my work to create space for South Sea Islanders and generate dialogue,” Togo-Brisby explained. She aims to contextualize the experiences of her community within the broader narrative of global enslavement. Visitors often report a range of emotional responses to her work, from delight to sadness and even anger. Togo-Brisby hopes that audiences will take the time to reflect on their feelings and the reasons behind them.

Looking ahead, Togo-Brisby has several upcoming projects in Australia, the UK, and Europe. One notable venture is a five-year research project in collaboration with German and Australian academics and curators to investigate the histories of the Western-Pacific’s Anglo and German plantations.

The ungeographic exhibition at Pātaka Art+Museum represents not only a celebration of Togo-Brisby’s artistic milestones but also an invitation for dialogue about the cultural histories of Australian South Sea Islanders.