Articulate Episode 21: Emele Ugavule

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

What might change if artists stopped organising their lives around Western ideas of time? Can time ever become part of an artwork?

In this episode of Articulate, Tokelauan, Uvean and Fijian storyteller Emele Ugavule explores the ideas and concepts at the centre of her work: temporal sovereignty, digital colonialism, and the relationship between creativity, healing and community.

Emele is a founding member of Indigenous-led creative studio and collective Studio Kiin, and, with her husband, is the co-founder of Yavu ni Mataka, an Indigenous futures-focused social enterprise.

We discuss how colonial systems have shaped the way artists work, the tensions between linear and Indigenous understandings of time, the role of silence in creative practice, plus what happens when knowledge and story enters a digital context.

What is Articulate?

Articulate is a culture-focused interview series. Each fortnight, we welcome in a creative guest to explore ideas, challenges, and conversations shaping the arts.

New episodes are released for streaming every other Wednesday at 4pm (NZST) on thepost.co.nz/articulate, and then on Thursday at 4pm on YouTube and Spotify.

Connect with me on Instagram: instagram.com/andre.chumko

Guest and episode ideas, or general show feedback, please email me: andre.chumko@thepost.co.nz