'Asi: A Practice led inquiry led by an Oceanic Artistic Research Paradigm

  • Cecelia Faumuina Auckland University of Technology
  • Marcos Mortensen Steagall  (Translator) Auckland University of Technology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/link-praxis.v3i1.39
Keywords: Oceanic Research, Artistic Practice, Practice-led research, Faiva, 'Asi

Abstract

This article presents a practice-led PhD project investigating how Oceanic values and ways of knowing inform faiva (creative practice/performance) to engage, create māfana (warmth) and mālie (harmony), and manifest ‘asi (the presence of the unseen) in artistic expression among Oceanic youth. Wolfgramm (1993) identified ‘asi as a vital element in the climax of faiva, reflecting an energising spirit that gives agency to artistic work. This research examines how young Oceanic individuals collaborate creatively, drawing on cultural heritage values to create meaningful faiva, and how this process may activate ‘asi throughout performance. The study is structured around two key components. The first, Lila (2019), is a co-created project involving research participants who developed and presented a contemporary faiva. This case study is enriched by interviews with Oceanic youth leaders, providing insights into the role of ‘asi in artistic practice. The second component, FAIVA | FAI VĀ, is the researcher’s personal artistic synthesis, integrating spoken word poetry, sound, drawing, video design, and performance. This body of work reflects on ‘asi through autobiographical themes and poetic expressions. By interweaving these elements, the study explores the nature and agency of ‘asi, its significance in contemporary faiva, and its potential to resource creativity and foster belonging among Oceanic youth.

Author Biographies

Cecelia Faumuina , Auckland University of Technology

Cecelia Faumuina is a lecturer in Communication Design. Before entering the academic world she worked in Audio Visual Production / Graphic Design and taught Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Technology in various Secondary Schools around Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland. She is passionate about the potential of people, particularly youth, their well-being, the quality of their education, and how they navigate the world they live in. Cecelia is conscience that people's relationships to themselves and each other are also important to the relationship of people in nature and deeply considers Hau'ofa's* (2017) assertion, "Oceania is us. We are the sea, we are the ocean."

Marcos Mortensen Steagall, Auckland University of Technology

Marcos Mortensen Steagall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Design at Auckland University of Technology (AUT). In his research and professional pursuits, Dr. Mortensen Steagall explores the intersection of visual semiotics and practice-oriented methodologies in Art, Design, Communication, and Technology. His artistic practice, primarily centred on lens-based and digital image-making, serves as a method for knowledge production.  Dr. Mortensen Steagall's work is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach that merges academic research with artistic practice, highlighting the significance of embracing diverse cultural narratives and knowledge systems in Design. Additionally, he is the editor of the academic journal LINK Praxis and chairs the LINK International Conference, focusing on Practice-led Research and the Global South.

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Published
2025-03-24
Issue
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Between two worlds: A Southern perspective of design practice
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2025 Cecelia Faumuina ; Marcos Mortensen Steagall (Translator)

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