VMF Residency Program - Meet the Artist: Tafui
VMF Residency Program is an experimental project that examines the opportunities and barriers around utilizing vacant retail spaces for low-barrier temporary artist studios.
In 2020, the program undertook a feasibility study and a year of community engagement with stakeholders for Phase 1.
In the fall of 2021, three local artists were selected by a jury of their peers to take part in a six-month residency at retail units donated by our project partners, Bentall Centre and The Royal Centre Mall.
Read more about the program on our Community Projects page.
The residencies are on the stolen and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Tafui is one of the three local artists selected for the six-month residency. Learn about her abstract art and her thoughts on the VMF Residency Program below!
Tafui is an independent multi-disciplinary artist and designer originally from Xaymaca / Kingston, Jamaica.
Her work spans various media, which includes fine art and product design, and is inspired by her love for Indigenous cultures throughout the world, modern design, and traditional textile techniques. She is known for her bold black and white patterns that embellish her work.
She currently produces environmentally responsible products including art prints, wallpapers, textile, and stationery. All of her prints and textiles pieces are derived from original paintings by Tafui, created by using traditional textile techniques.
Her creative process in the studio is very much linked to the consciousness of the environment and the human health and wellbeing. Though greatly inspired by water, Tafui makes a conscious effort to limit the use of water in the production of her pieces opting for digital techniques as opposed to traditional commercial printing ones.
Tafui is also a VMF alumni, as she’s been a part of Vancouver Mural Festival 2020 and VMF Winter Arts 2022.
Tafui’s mural for VMF 2020
What interested you in taking this residency?
I've always wanted to do an Artist Residency, especially now that I live in a tiny space that I share with my husband, who also works from home.
I had an affordable studio space before I moved to Vancouver, and that's one thing that I miss, especially when I have an exhibition coming up. So when I saw this opportunity, I knew I wanted to be a part of it!
I often work on various projects simultaneously, and it's not very convenient to do large-scale work at home. I also love that the space gives the public access to seeing my work up close and purchasing it if they like.
How has this new space supported your art?
I'm so excited to finally have access to a quiet, spacious location to focus on my work without distractions.
I also plan to use the space to display my art as a mini gallery/pop-up shop to introduce my work to a new audience.
How would our Residency Program benefit other artists?
I think that this opportunity would be inspiring to many other artists who are experiencing difficulty finding an affordable studio.
This program would give them visibility and the opportunity to create the work they’ve always wanted to make, but didn’t have a dedicated space to do so.
I don’t know how another artist would use this studio, except that they will utilize it in their own unique way, and I'm excited to see what they come up with!
What are you currently working on, and what's your process?
I'm working on a few things at the moment!
I need to produce a few pieces for an upcoming show at the Vancouver Art Gallery annex, so that's on the top of my mind. I also have a new textile collection and art prints coming out and my first wallpaper collection.
My practice is a mixture of traditional and digital work, so that's what I'll be doing in this space.
Tafui’s install at the Vancouver Art Gallery
How do you plan to activate the space and engage with the public?
I’m still thinking about that! I'd love to do a short video about the time I spend in this space and what I create here.
What are your plans for when your residency ends?
I’ll go back to my search for a more permanent studio space! I know that it won't be as large as this space I have now though.
Program Producer
VMF is a non-profit art consultancy and production agency dedicated to artistic and cultural development. VMF produces the annual Vancouver Mural Festival and VMF Winter Arts.
Program Partners
Hessey Consulting + Architecture | www.hessey.ca
Germaine Koh | germainekoh.com
Funding Partner:
City of Vancouver Cultural Services Grant
Supporting Partners: