'Asi: A Practice-led Inquiry Led By an Oceanic Artistic Research Paradigm
Date
Authors
Faumuina, Cecelia
Mortensen Steagall, Marcos
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Library
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.Description
Keywords
Asi, Artistic Practice, Faiva, Oceanic Research, Practice-led Research
Source
LINK PRAXIS, ISSN: 3021-1131 (Online), Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Library, 3(1), 139-183. doi: 10.24135/link-praxis.v3i1.39
Publisher's version
Rights statement
Copyright (c) 2025 Cecelia Faumuina ; Marcos Mortensen Steagall (Translator). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.