First Look Friday: Tali Alisa Hafoka; Christy Chan; Aïsha Lehmann

Join us Friday, September 30, 2022 from 6–9pm for a First Look at three new exhibitions—paintings by Tali Alisa Hafoka in the Street Gallery; an exhibition of video work by 2022 Guggenheim Fellow Christy Chan in the Codec Gallery; and the launch of the new Art Truck exhibition My Roots, Your Roots featuring works by printmaker Aïsha Lehmann.

In Carried Across: Meditations on Diasporic Living in the Street Gallery, Tali Alisa Hafoka’s paintings use food as a lens to explore culture and connection in Pacific Islander communities in the diaspora. Hafoka focuses on the constant of food at gatherings while incorporating and expanding on the means by which it is sourced, prepared, and shared. 2022 Guggenheim Fellow Christy Chan’s video work in the Codec Gallery Who’s Coming to Save You? questions the everyday power structures that uphold white supremacy in the United States. Through visual narratives, My Roots, Your Roots in the Art Truck explores the intricacies of authentic and perceived identities. Multimedia artist Aïsha Lehmann uses printmaking techniques to communicate the stories and experiences that form the foundations of self-identity.​

This First Look will also feature a panel discussion at 6pm—Aha’aina: A Conversation on Pacific Islander Culture & Art. The talanoa (discussion) will focus on Pacific Islander culture in Utah, drawing from themes in Tali Alisa Hafoka’s painting exhibition Carried Across: Meditations on Diasporic Living. Moderated by ‘Inoke Hafoka (BYU, Hawai’i), the conversation will feature artist Papa’ali’i Jacob Fitisemanu (West Valley City Council), Moana ‘Ulu’ave-Hafoka (Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office), and Aljay Fuimaono (Manusina Art).