Siapo drawing

Jon Apisa. Siapo. 2025. ink on paper, 4" x 5" (10.16cm x 12.7cm).

Artist Notes: Siapo

Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi August 12, 2025

This drawing with the Siapo pattern on paper.

My intent with these Siapo patterns is to share a distinct communication of aesthetic, form that although is based on Siapo Sāmoa (Sāmoan Siapo), can be appreciated by all. Although based is symmetrical geometric patterns, sometimes I try to expand on the symmetry while using line as the most fundamental base element.

I feel that I have much more ideas and compositions than time, so at times, I use different art media to create and share these compositions.

These Siapo patterns are ongoing set with similiar subject matter. From my perspective, Siapo patterns (aka. Tapa) are among the first artwork and form a foundation of visual art in Sāmoa and other Polynesian cultures. This includes both the geometric patterns as well as those that are symbolic and/or represent plants and animals.

Though they may be rooted in the patterns of the culture now identified as as the lapita culture/people, through Polynesian migration much like the languages of the Polynesians, the patterns and compositions have beeen developed with their own unique identities while still holding a similiarity to connect each together.

- Jon Apisa

Traditional Siapo is a Polynesian cultural art form known as: