Biography

Taloi Havini utilises a variety of media to explore the upkeep of inherited knowledge systems and cultural distinctiveness across time and place. Her work comprises ceramics, sculpture, installation, photography and film.

Havini has participated in a number of international exhibitions, including Sharjah Biennial 13: Tamawuj (2017); Soil and Stones, Souls and Songs, Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, Manila (2016) (exhibition also travelled to Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta); Homo Faber: A Rainbow Caravan, Aichi Triennale, Nagoya City Art Museum, Japan (2016) and No.1 Neighbour: Art in Papua New Guinea 1966–2016, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane (2016). Her work is held in public and private collections at the Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane; Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane; National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne and Australian National University, Canberra.

Havini received the Veolia Acquisitive Award (2016) and Community Prophets Award for her environmental advocacy film An Uncertain Future, Human Rights Arts and Film Festival, Melbourne (2008). She was shortlisted for the International Rolex Philanthropic Young Laureates Grants Scheme (2008).

She graduated in 2004 with a BA (Honours) from the Australian National University, Canberra, where she majored in art and politics, ceramics and photomedia. She participated in a six-month residency at Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2016-2017).

Havini was born in Arawa, Papua New Guinea in 1981 and descends from the Nakas clan of the Hakö (Haku) people of northeastern Buka in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. She immigrated to Australia with her family in 1990 and currently lives and works between Melbourne, Sydney and Buka.

This person was part of Sharjah Biennial 13.

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