Afro-Polynesian Cultural Curator: Afatasi the Artist
“I am a part of a budding branch in the larger tree of the African diaspora.”
Born, raised, and currently residing in San Francisco, Afatasi the Artist is a textile artist and cultural curator of Afro-Polynesia. She is also a designer, photographer, singer, songwriter, and an overall creative. And we are excited to have her as a part of our 2020 Bakanal de Afrique Artist Fellowship Cohort. She shared more about what inspires her creativity, social issues taking up space in her head, and her favorite mode of transportation.
Where are your people from?
I identify as Afro-Polynesian. My mother is from Western Samoa, and my father is a Black American from Memphis, Tennessee.
How do you know who you are?
I am still fine-tuning certain aspects of my personal beliefs everyday, through education, and self-reflection, and I have strengthened my sense of self-identity, by really honing in on my intuition.
If solely up to you, where would you be and why?
I would be visiting my cousins in London and Auckland, because I miss them so much, and I think that quarantining with them would be super fun. We always have the best time together; a part of me is sad thinking about it.
Who or what inspires your art/creativity?
My Afro-Polynesian identity inspires my creativity. I recognize that there are few of us in existence, and that I am apart of a budding branch in the larger tree of the African diaspora. I am so grateful to be apart of two strong cultures, so whether it is writing a song, or creating a garment, I always find ways to honor my heritage and ancestors.
What local issue, national issue, or global issue has been occupying space in your heart, body, and/or head space?
To be honest, the United States Presidential election has been taking free rent in my head lately. I try and reassure myself that, no matter who wins the election, the Black American agenda needs to come first, however, I am tired of this country not holding itself accountable for its racism towards Black people. In addition, the Coronavirus pandemic makes me miss my family around the world so much, and I am also afraid that myself or someone that I love will contract the Coronavirus and die, because, being black, we are in a group that is at higher risk.
Tell us about your favorite/preferred mode of transporting yourself around.
I have a car, and I use it daily. San Francisco has a really good public transportation system called MUNI, however, I ended up saving up to buy a car because I was always fighting on MUNI because people are really rude, intrusive, and disrespectful. I love driving my car because I feel like it has served me well, especially if I need to get places fast. I will say that being a bus rider for decades, has made me a better driver in many ways.
Familiarize yourself with more of her work.
Afatasi the Artist is one of the core artists of Bakanal de Afrique, the premier global festival of Pan-African Urban culture, community and creatives; see their new work premiering Nov 6- Nov 30, 2020, exclusively on BakanalDeAfrique.com.