Pacific Arts: The Journal of the Pacific Arts Association

In this interview, Kanak musician and graffiti artist Will Nerho (WillStyle), from the Neaoua tribe in Waa Wi Luu (Houaïlou) in the A’jië-Arhö region of Kanaky/New Caledonia, discusses his creative practice and navigation of cultural politics. He calls attention to the rejection of Kanak cultural markers he has experienced in Nouméa, capital of the country, located in the South Province. He also discusses the place of local animals in his art, their connection to Kanak culture, and the ecological pedagogical practice that comes with painting animals. Nerho offers a critique of French colonial appropriation of Kanak art, objects, culture, and knowledge, and emphasizes the importance of reclamation and transmission of culture within Kanak society, notably through language. He explains the significance of the flèche faîtière (carved wooden rooftop spires on Kanak houses) and reflects on his work reformulating and redesigning those flèches faîtières scattered throughout Europe that have lost their identity.