The Carlton Gallery is proud to present the vibrant and deeply
personal work of Ana Teofilo, a New Zealand-born Samoan
visual artist whose contemporary Pasifika practice weaves
together memory, culture, and identity.
Now based in Dunedin, Ana’s journey as an artist has been
shaped by her Samoan heritage, motherhood, and a
passion for storytelling through form and pattern. Her
unique process blends traditional Polynesian motifs with
modern techniques — carving intricate patterns into
painted boards, then accentuating them with luminous
dot-work. The result is a rich interplay of texture and
colour, inviting viewers to experience the stories held
within each piece.
Ana works across a variety of shapes — from circular panels to
frangipani silhouettes — bringing fresh energy and new
perspectives to Pacific art. Her artistic path includes highlights
such as participating in the Auckland Art Fair, facilitating
creative workshops across the South Island, and being
recognized with the 2022 Edinburgh Award. She was also the
first Pacific artist to exhibit a solo show at Dunedin
International Airport — a milestone marked by a live interview
on national television.
“A Malaga of the Heart, Spirit and Hands” speaks to a personal
and cultural journey — a movement between lands, generations,
and ways of seeing. We are delighted to share Ana’s work with
our community in Katikati, where its vibrance and meaning will
no doubt inspire.
@ana.teofilo.artist
