Jimmy Ma’ia’i
All Star 2.0
Don’t Tuck Your Ula, 2025
Grace presents All Star, a two-part exhibition by Jimmy Ma’ia’i.
13 November - 30 November, 2025
Jimmy Ma’ia’i is an installation artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland whose practice utilises found objects and materials, and the readymade. Of Sāmoan and Scottish descent, Ma’ia’i draws upon mixed-heritage experiences, cultural dislocation and the impact of colonisation in his artworks. Recent exhibitions include Spring Time is Heart- break: Contemporary Art in Aotearoa, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū (2023-24) and Ocean of Whispers, Enjoy Contemporary Art Space (2022-23).
Don’t Tuck Your Ula, 2025 Moissanite, sterling silver (plated) 22”
Don’t Tuck Your Ula, 2025 (detail)
All Star is accompanied by a text by Jimmy Ma’ia’i.
“ [An] aspect of hip hop culture that always fascinated me was the bling – the gold chains, the diamonds, the customised jewellery. I always wanted a chain, and, frankly, I still do. The chains, a staple in hip hop culture, were initially worn to imitate the self-made big shots in the neighbourhood; now, they serve as an almost embodied, personal exhibit of fame and fortune...”
Full text available here.
Please contact the gallery here to receive a catalogue for All Star.