A collection of artwork which has evolved from Oceania culture, based on imagination and cultural integration. In this collection, I have tried to show how the Oceanic cultures have some strong similarities. I have also tried to show the possibilities if they were to be mixed together again and the results of intertwining with each other.

I am lucky enough to have grown up in an environment filled with cultural diversity. And being second generation Chinese-Malay, then having moved to New Zealand in my late twenties, this allowed me to experience different lifestyles. With all this, my experience tells me that ‘time’ and ‘environment’ do have the tendency to create a cultural shift. I have never been a person who is good with words, therefore, I put my thoughts into images and creativity. I found this is the easier way for me to express my thoughts. This is my way of communicating, my way of embracing differences, and paying respect to time and evolution.

We’re all different, from different backgrounds, different beliefs and most of us have different life experiences. This is what makes the world exciting, where new ideas & perspectives can develop. We are all different so that we bring change and push each other outside our comfort zones. But living in the world filled with differences come with challenge of acceptance and understanding.There will be times we will not be able to see eye to eye.This doesn’t mean that we have the right to reject, harm or discriminate. When we can’t make sense or understand, it doesn’t mean we can’t be understanding. After all there is only so much we are able to learn and experience in one lifetime. There are many things we don’t know and never will. Rejecting others will only stop us growing and finding peace.I hope one day we all learn the true meaning of respect. Treat people only the way we want to be treated. Knowing there will be times nobody is right or wrong, it’s just different points of view. As Confucius said; “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it”.

Mastering the art of communication is the key to live to harmony. People think communication is about speaking up and telling, but communication is not a one way street. It needs work in both directions. If we are to master the art of communication, we must first show respect through our willingness to listen.We can’t embrace or accept anything if we aren’t willing. Being willing to accept our ignorance will help us learn and see things from a different perspective.To creating this collection, first requires an understanding of the Oceanic culture, history and artifacts. This is currently a work in progress for me. With the knowledge that I have gained, together with my creative imagination, ideas are emerging. From Tiki creating woman, the love of an eel to Sina, Shark-man from the Solomon Islands, The mystery of Marquesas Island, The journey of the westward sail and so on … piece by piece, my collection of artwork is complete. I am not asking everyone to understand, but I do hope you look at them with an open mind.

Thank you

T.T.Onn