Artist Profile: Sue Pearson – Aatuti Art
Local artist Sue Pearson is a direct descendent of the Polynesian women and Bounty mutineers who made Pitcairn Island their home in 1790 and later settled on Norfolk Island. A celebrated Norfolk Islander, Sue is known both locally and internationally for her multi-faceted creative practice as a printmaker, fabric designer, fine artist and book illustrator. Sue’s work expresses her connection to the Norfolk and Pitcairn Island heritages and reflects her rich cultural history, and the unique environment of Norfolk Island and the wider Pacific.
Sue’s work often incorporates symbols such as turtles, stars, and Norfolk Pine trees, which serve as metaphors for cultural heritage, navigation, and growth. Inspired by the strength and resourcefulness of her Polynesian foremothers, Sue’s art also honours the women who played a vital role in the survival of the Pitcairn community. Sue began her artistic journey as an illustrator but soon discovered a passion for printmaking and fabric design. In the early 1990s she began printing t-shirts and selling them at the local Sunday markets. She had a small workshop under her parents home and her printmaking processes evolved and soon she was experimenting with fabrics printing, paper making and more. Nearly 30 years ago, in 1995 Sue opened the Aatuti Art gallery which still operates today and is a fabulous showcase, not only of Sue’s artwork, but of the journey of her people, and a connection between art and the island’s environment.
Internationally Sue has exhibited her work across the Pacific, the USA, France, and Estonia. Sue has continued to be inspired by her Polynesian ancestresses and as a member of the collective “Ahu Sistas” has been involved in reclaiming the practice of the Pitcairn foremothers of making tapa (barkcloth). Sue sees her contemporary art work and processes as a natural evolution of their own creative journeys.
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To view Sue’s work, including prints, hand printed textiles, gifts, clothing, homewares and more, visit Aatuti Art on Taylor’s Road.
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Image Credit: Aatuti Art
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Article content disclaimer: Article first published in Discover Norfolk, Volume 07 Issue 02, 2024. Please note that details of specific travel, accommodation and touring options may be outdated. References to people, places and businesses, including operating days and times may be have changed. References to Government structure and Government businesses/entities may no longer be applicable. Please check directly with businesses and/or Government websites directly rather than relying on any information contained in this article before you make travel arrangements.
