The Kea Kua Art Gallery & Museum in Mamao celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday, October 2nd, in a warm and vibrant atmosphere that brought together nearly 200 guests. Founder Guillaume Proia hosted a cocktail dinner event dedicated to art, sharing, and mana, marking a significant milestone for the unique cultural institution.
Located in Mamao, the Kea Kua Art Gallery & Museum stands out as a singular venue that serves as both gallery and museum. The space houses more than 370 sculptures crafted from wood, stone, and bone, originating from the Marquesas Islands, Austral Islands, and Society Islands. Beyond the richness of the exhibited works, visitors experience an immersive journey that leaves a lasting impression. Following Polynesian tradition, guests remove their shoes at the entrance as they would in a Polynesian home, entering a sacred space where each sculpture seems to vibrate with ancestral energy.
At the heart of the gallery lies the intimate Petit musée de Kea Kua, which showcases Guillaume Proia's personal collection alongside works by recognized local sculptors. Among these artists is Teiri Morlot, a 37-year-old Polynesian artist whose exhibition opening coincided with the gallery's anniversary celebration. His first exhibition reveals a raw and powerful sensibility, notably embodied in his reinterpretation of the god Aa.
This emblematic sculpture, originally from Rurutu and preserved at the British Museum for two centuries, has been recreated in metamorphic stone from Paea, respecting the original rituals and details. Guided by mana and supported by Guillaume Proia, Teiri spent seven months crafting a living, faithful, and inhabited work that connects generations and radiates the Polynesian soul.
During the anniversary celebration, Guillaume Proia announced the creation of the artistic and cultural association Te Mana o te Kea Kua, designed to extend the spirit of the venue through workshops, conferences, and meetings. This initiative serves as an invitation for visitors to become ambassadors of the museum and join a creative and benevolent community.
The Kea Kua Art Gallery & Museum transcends the concept of a simple exhibition space, functioning as a sanctuary and bridge between worlds where art becomes language, memory, and breath. It offers an experience meant to be lived, felt, and shared by all who enter its sacred halls.
Teiri Morlot shared his artistic journey, explaining how he transitioned from his previous career to pursue his passion. "I've been sculpting for three years now, after working as a salesman in a vehicle company, selling tires," Morlot noted. "I left everything behind to dedicate myself fully to my passion: sculpting volcanic basalt. I'm presenting my very first exhibition here, featuring about ten creations."
The young artist described his creative process and inspiration, stating that while there's no imposed theme, a natural common thread emerges. "The ocean and its fauna, this environment that has accompanied me since childhood and has always fascinated me," he explained. Morlot acknowledged that he's still searching for his own artistic style, describing it as long-term work that requires patience and dedication.
Paying tribute to his mentor, Morlot expressed deep gratitude to his father, Claude Morlot. "I grew up surrounded by his works, and since I chose this path, he has become my absolute master," he said. "I'm proud of this: I have the best master in the world. He advises me, guides me, inspires me. It's a wonderful exchange, and I humbly thank him for allowing me to advance faster, strengthened by his unique experience."
