Kaetaeta Watson

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Kaetaeta Watson
Born
Tabiteuea, Kiribati
CitizenshipNew Zealand
OccupationWeaver
AwardsPacific Heritage Artist Award (2019), Arts Pasifika Awards

Kaetaeta Watson is a master weaver from Kiribati. [1] [2] Her art work and collaborations advocate for and support the maintenance and transmission of Kiribati culture and heritage.

Contents

Biography

Watson was born on the island of Tabiteuea in Kiribati in Eita village. In 1973 she moved to New Zealand. [3] Watson is based in the Coromandel Peninsula. [3]

Watson often collaborates with Louisa Humphry to create artworks. In 2021 the national museum of New Zealand Te Papa acquired into their collection a piece called Otintaai, by Watson and Louisa Humphry made from harakeke (flax), nets, and copper. [1] At the ceremony Denise Ratieta, president of Ribanaia Women’s Club (Wellington branch) said: "Their work shows a lot of authentic artistic skill that is both inspirational and very encouraging to us I-Kiribati women." [1]

Watson is part of a revival of weaving techniques. Part of this research is to see examples in museums, seek out traditional knowledge, and recreate the techniques applying masterful weaving skills. An example of this is a traditional suit of armour made by Watson, Chris Charteris, Lizzy Leckie and Tungaru: The Kiribati Project team. [4] Through this research and weaving a community is strengthened, Watson says: "I think it's part of me as a Kiribati person to be ready to share, otherwise these skills won’t survive." [4]

In 2019 Watson was awarded Pacific Heritage Artist Award at the annual Arts Pasifika Awards (Creative New Zealand) along with Louisa Humphrey. [5] [6]

Exhibitions

References

  1. 1 2 3 Yates, Rachel (13 July 2021). "Otintaai: The Rising Sun and the I-Kiribati climate change warrior". Te Papa’s Blog. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  2. ↑ Parminter, Alice (23 January 2024). "Culture and climate change: crafting a future for I-Kiribati". The Valley Profile. Archived from the original on 20 January 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  3. 1 2 "People: Kaetaeta Watson". Creative Coromandel. Archived from the original on 21 January 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  4. 1 2 "KIRIBATI 'ARMOUR' – The Wearable Arts of the Kiribati". The Coconet TV. Archived from the original on 12 July 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  5. ↑ "Outstanding Pasifika artists to be celebrated at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2019". Creative New Zealand . 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
  6. ↑ "Outstanding Pasifika artists to be celebrated". Te aka kumara. 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  7. ↑ Farrell, Ruci (7 June 2021). "Kiribati master artist restores pride in lost art forms". Pacific Media Network . Archived from the original on 3 February 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  8. ↑ "Exhibition: Names Held in Our Mouths". Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery . 2019. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2022.
  9. ↑ "Taita Central School x Ā Mua: Animated whakapapa". Dowse Art Museum . 2020. Archived from the original on 7 February 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
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