Tahiti and her islands in art: Ape

Finally, a woman artist!

Apr 30, 2024

I’ve previously done posts about Boullaire and Bobby, and in the spirit of fairness wanted to feature some female artists as well as males. The first one that came to mind wasn’t someone from the distant past, but an artist I stumbled across after visiting Tahiti, in a very cute store called Art’griculture.

‘Ape’ is the pseudonym of Apolline, an artist inspired by the beauty of Mo’orea and the islands of French Polynesia. Her work is primarily nature based, featuring whales, flowers, plants and sea-life, all rendered in colourful watercolour and acrylic.

”In Fenua, the ‘Ape’ (pronounced Apé) is a plant with large, draping green leaves. From nature to woman, I chose these 3 letters as a diminutive of my first name, Apolline.”
– Ape, from her website (translated from French, any errors in meaning are mine!)

She makes fresco murals and paints on wood in addition to the more traditional paper and canvas mediums. I love how the unique structure of the wood pieces hang together on a wall.

I definitely empathise with her addiction to all things beautiful here. Everywhere you look is a new painting begging to be made.

"It’s difficult to be satisfied with all these colourful flowers, these lagoons with translucent waters or these mountains with lush vegetation.”
– Ape, from Aremiti Magazine issue #48 (translated from French, any errors in meaning are mine!)

I love the energy of her brushstrokes and the vibrancy of her colours. The colours here really are that bright and beautiful, even if it seems impossible. She also feels that special mana that infuses the islands and inspires their artists.

“I lived in Moorea for six months before moving to Tahiti. I have the feeling that Moorea has given me a lot, through its energy and the abundance of its nature which is a source of daily inspiration.”
– Ape, from Aremiti Magazine issue #48 (translated from French, any errors in meaning are mine!)

If you’re visiting Tahiti or Mo’orea, go check out the beautiful artists and craftspeople exhibiting at Art’griculture. You might discover a new favourite like I did!

Do you know an artist that makes beautiful art of French Polynesia? Let me know who I should feature in the comments below!