Polynesian Artist Saumo Puapuaga Shows Work Influenced by His Heritage
Colorful work by young Samoan artist
Oklahoma Artist Saumo Puapuaga shows new beautiful paintings at 1219 Creative April 8, 2016 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Influenced by his upbringing in Hawaii and his Samoan heritage, the essence of Saumo’s artwork is family. Raised in a large household with six siblings, his paintings reflect the joys, heartaches and plainness of relationships. Heavily inspired by the natural beauty of his hometown, Saumo’s work emphasizes a strong use of color. 1219 Creative is located at 1219 N. Classen Blvd in Oklahoma City.
Saumo graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. Some of his work has been featured in the Hawaii Bar Journal and Kaka’ako Park in Honolulu. His senior project, completed in 2012, called “Fa’a Samoa,” has been purchased by the Mayor’s Office of Honolulu and will soon be publicly displayed for the enjoyment of Hawaii’s residents.
In addition, he has numerous recognitions with various group exhibitions in Hawaii such as the Windward Artists Guild. In 2012, Saumo relocated to Oklahoma City and resides with his most loyal companion and pet doggie, Pele. In 2013 he was selected as one of the 24 artists to be featured in a yearlong traveling exhibition: 24 Works on Paper. His artwork has been “redefining” spaces at various local businesses with his contemporary Polynesian designs and bold colors.
Artist Saumo Pauapuaga is one of the wonderful artists exhibiting at 1219 Creative as Inclusion in Art continues to provide exhibition opportunities for artists of color in the state of Oklahoma.