Wota Exhibition

Wota i Toktok Exhibition Officially Launched Celebrating Water, Culture, and Artistic Expression in Vanuatu

Sista, in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Water for Women Fund, officially launched the Wota i Toktok exhibition on Saturday, 27 September 2025 at Fondation Suzanne Bastien. The exhibition brings together 15 talented local artists exploring the deep connections between water, culture, and storytelling, with some artworks available for purchase.

The official launch of Wota i Toktok was led by Sista’s Communications & Advocacy Coordinator alongside partners from UTS and the Water for Women Fund. The event drew members of the community, art enthusiasts, friends, and family to celebrate the creativity and talent of 15 Vanuatu-based artists.

The evening featured speeches highlighting the journey of the project, the significance of water, and the artists’ perspectives. Artists shared how water shapes their daily lives, culture, and communities.
A highlight of the evening was Edgar’s sand drawing, which officially opened the exhibition, symbolising the life-giving and sustaining power of water.

Melita Grant, Research Director at UTS, said:
“The exhibition is a true celebration and exploration of water and sanitation and everything in between. The artists have taken the theme of clean water and safely managed sanitation and hygiene and made it their own. From a Kastom story of groundwater, to photos of beautiful and well-managed latrines in Vanuatu, to explorations of women and water and the magnificence of water in all its forms. The exhibition is a powerful story of water and the life it gives us.”

Talula-Fay Taribakeo, one of the participating artists, said in her speech: “Here in Vanuatu, water is not just a resource. It is part of our stories, our kastom, and our survival. It flows through our gardens, it carries our canoes, it washes over our islands, and it teaches us to adapt and be resilient. Like water, we too must learn to move and flow, to overcome challenges, and to give life to others. The art my cousin and I created comes from these memories and emotions blending kastom stories and feelings of water — how it has shaped us, tested us, and sustained us as island people and more.”

Carole Reocreux played a pivotal role in supporting the artists throughout the project, helping them shape their creative ideas and bring their visions to life. Melita Grant also provided technical guidance on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues to inspire the artists in their creative interpretations.
Visitors to the exhibition will experience a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and videography. Some pieces are available for sale, and those interested in purchasing artwork can speak directly with Lina Ariki, Director of Fondation Suzanne Bastien or email on lina.fondation@gmail.com. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00AM to 4:30PM.