Kaetaeta Watson

Kaetaeta Watson is a master weaver from Kiribati. Her art work and collaborations advocate for and support the maintenance and transmission of Kiribati culture and heritage.

Biography Watson was born on the island of Tabiteuea in Kiribati in Eita village. In 1973 she moved to New Zealand. Watson is based in the Coromandel Peninsula. Through this research and weaving a community is strengthened, Watson says: "I think it's part of me as a Kiribati person to be ready to share, otherwise these skills won’t survive."

Exhibitions 2018 – Asia Pacific Triennial in Brisbane. Kiribati body armour – created by Chris Charteris, Lizzy Leckie, Kaetaeta Watson and Tungaru: The Kiribati Project team. 2019 – Names held in our mouths, Te Uru, Waitakere Contemporary Gallery. Curated by Ioana Gordon-Smith. Group exhibition with Sosefina Andy, Nikau Hindin, Louisa Humphry, Wikuki Kingi, Pacifica Mamas, Kaetaeta Watson 2020 – Ā Mua: New Lineages of Making, craft exhibition at The Dowse Art Museum featuring 20 makers. Presentation of Otintaai, by Kaetaeta Watson and Louisa Humphry