Striped Fish and Coral

'Striped Fish and Coral', 1965 by the late Samoan artist Teuane Tibbo is a striking example of her distinctive use of flattened and tilted perspective. Here, it works to immerse the viewer in a vivid underwater scene. Much like Tibbo’s village scenes, this coral bed is brimming with life. Striped, black manini fish dart between the coral and large foafoa (conch shells). The striated layers of rich colour and texture lead us up to the surface to momentarily take a breath – before plunging back down again into Tibbo’s vibrant world.

Tibbo often painted memories of her life in Sāmoa. This could be the vibrant coral of the National Park in Pago Pago or perhaps the fringing reef of Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia.

– Ane Tonga, Curator Pacific Art, 2025

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