Being proud to be Brown is the theme of the newest art exhibition C.H.O.L.A at Auckland's Fresh Gallery.
It's a collaboration between three talented Auckland-based artists who explore what it means to have brown pride.
A diverse range of stunning artworks with strong Polynesian themes - artworks influenced by American youth gang-culture, the modern American lifestyle and LA Mexican communities.
Cerisse Palalagi (Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Niue), also known as Ceeroc says, "We're just looking at how they express themselves through brown pride through murals, political art and that's where I got a lot of my influence."
An exhibition designed to provoke thought and discussion on how these overseas influences have impacted on the modern Polynesian identity.
Allen Vili (Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Hāmoa), as known as Onesian says, "It's a subtle interpretation of empowerment of our people."
The curator of Ōtara's Fresh Gallery, Nicole Lim says, "It's a lot of women power, and it all started with Fresh in 2006 when Fresh was started by some very strong women who wanted to nurture and cultivate the arts for their communities."
C.H.O.L.A is an acronym for the artists involved in the exhibition and is a reflection of their influences and inspirations growing up.