Filipe Tohi was born in Ngeleia Nuku’alofa, Tonga, and emigrated to New Zealand in 1978. He has been a full-time artist and sculptor since 1992. His work is based upon the ancient Pacific Island art form of lalava (lashing) that was used for joining and binding materials together. Metres of coloured sennit were wound and tied so as to create distinct geometric patterns that were a well-established part of daily life.

"I believe lalava patterns were a mnemonic device for representing a life philosophy. Lalava patterns advocated balance in daily living and were metaphorical and physical ties to cultural knowledge."

Filipe’s work transforms the technology of the past into a modern representation of identity and experience. By using the patterns established by lalava, he expresses a Polynesian heritage with metaphors that speak to the entire community.