TAPA

Terracotta relief of birds and three people.

TAPA

May 1, 2025 - June 21, 2025

Reception: May 1, 2025

TAPA showcases the fusion of traditional Tongan tribal patterns with contemporary digital art, transforming cultural symbols into modern décor. Tapa cloth is one of the highest value gifts. It is also used throughout the Pacific Islands with great appreciation. Each intricate pattern embodies ancestral wisdom, spiritual connections, and the resilience of Tongan artistry, inviting viewers to embrace cultural storytelling through immersive design.

What To Expect

Tapa contains 2D works, digital projection, and educational video depicting cultural designs, abstract representations, the human form, and flora with themes of heritage, social connection, history, community, belief, and cultural values. 

Artist Bio

A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera

Benedicta Kongaika is a Tongan American artist whose deep admiration for Tongan tribal art has shaped her creative journey. Growing up in America, she found herself drawn to the intricate patterns and cultural symbolism of Tongan designs, always seeking ways to incorporate their rich heritage into modern home decor.

Arts & Culture

Gülgün Kayim, Director
Address: 303 S. Jackson Street, Top Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94748, Seattle, WA , 98124-4748
Phone: (206) 684-7171
Fax: (206) 684-7172
arts.culture@seattle.gov

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The Office of Arts & Culture promotes the value of arts and culture in, and of, communities throughout Seattle. It strives to ensure that a wide range of high-quality artistic experiences are available to everyone, encourage artist-friendly arts and cultural policy.