Upstairs Exhibition - Pusi Urale

The Upstairs Art Gallery

Opening Hours

Open daily, 10am to 4pm

Entry is free

Closed New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Upstairs Gallery is located on Level 1 of Lopdell House

Fiafiaga - Celebration

On show 14 February to 2 March

Join us for a colourful tribute to life, joy and art with Fiafiaga – Celebration, a solo exhibition by Pusi Urale featuring her latest body of work.

“My art has kept me alive and living a fulsome joyful life. At my age, the body feels heavy and numb and feels challenged every morning, but the idea of creating new work gives me purpose. It encourages me to slowly get out of bed and start a new day. I feel lucky that I have a hobby that keeps my creativity flowing and gives me tremendous happiness. I hope that other old people have creative hobbies in any artform that is a source of happiness like painting is for me. At 86 years old I still look forward to creating my own fun art everyday.“ - Pusi Urale

Pusi Urale is a New Zealand-based artist of Samoan heritage, celebrated for her vibrant and distinctive style that draws deeply from her Pacific Island roots. Born in Samoa, Urale moved to New Zealand with her family in the 1970s, becoming part of the Pacific diaspora that has significantly enriched Aotearoa's cultural landscape.

Primarily a self-taught artist, Urale began painting later in life, after raising her family, and quickly gained recognition for her bold, colorful works. Her art often incorporates traditional Samoan motifs and symbols, reimagined through a contemporary lens. Urale's paintings explore themes of identity, community, and connection, celebrating Pacific culture while also reflecting her experience as part of the Samoan diaspora in New Zealand.

Urale has exhibited her work widely in solo and group exhibitions across New Zealand, earning her a reputation as a key figure in the Pasifika art scene. Notably, she was a finalist in the prestigious Wallace Art Awards.

Email gallery@upstairs.org.nz with any enquiries or phone 09 817 4278

Pusi Urale