Behind the Scenes of exhibition ‘LA SIRENETA’

 Girly Chat with artist SHILOH SAGAPOLUTELE

by Mary Adeosun

Spending the evening chatting with Shiloh Sagapolutele a.k.a SS MURCH felt like stepping inside her colourful, nostalgic inner-world and exhibition. In between the laughter and deep dives into her creative process, we also unpacked her favourite pieces and what it takes to bring an artistic vision to life.  

On Inspirations

When asked about the roots of her work, Shiloh (Falelatai/Aleipata Samoa) lights up.

“It started as this idea for a comfort-themed show but evolved into an iCarly-meets-Victorious-inspired dream room. It’s a blend of TV sets, childhood nostalgia, and pop culture.” Her inspirations range from childhood TV shows to the dramatic stage photography of Astro World and Uzumaki Gallery. “It’s all about creating a space that feels familiar yet fantastical,” she shared.  

Injecting Humour into Art

“I’ve always wanted to make art people can get instantly— something accessible, not so overthought”. Humour runs through Shiloh’s work; from playful card games to quirky objects. “Growing up, I went to a lot of exhibitions, and I really valued art that didn’t need a complicated explanation.”  

One of her standout humorous moments? “The card game. People really connected with it. It’s fun but also deeply relatable. Overdraft? That one’s personal!”  

Favourite Pieces: Vape Bags and Card Games

Picking favourites wasn’t easy, but Shiloh landed on two: the vape bags and the card game. The vape bags were a last-minute labour of love, completed in the week leading up to her show. “I don’t vape, but it’s funny to turn this everyday thing into art. Plus, they were challenging, so I’m super proud of how they turned out.”  

The card game, however, was her heart project. “It took months to create. I poured so much love into it. Selling out almost every set was a surreal moment!”  

The Creative Process and Challenges

Shiloh thrives on bringing her ideas to life. “It’s addictive to see something in your head and have the skills to make it real. That’s why I keep doing it.”  

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “Balancing a full-time job with creating was tough. Before I moved to a proper studio space, I was working from my room. Once I got to the Wheke Studio, everything fell into place—it gave me the energy and space to focus.”  

Themes of Connection  

Through her art, Shiloh hopes to connect with her audience on a personal level. “I want people to see a glimpse of my world while finding pieces of their own experiences reflected back. Whether it’s through the nostalgia of the card game or something quirky like the beer bottle nails, I want them to enjoy, relate, and have fun.”  

Looking Ahead

As our chat wound down, it was clear Shiloh’s creative energy isn’t slowing anytime soon. Between her imaginative world-building, relatable humor, and dedication to her craft, her work continues to resonate with people.  

For Shiloh, art isn’t just about creating—it’s about sharing a space where everyone can find a little joy.

A WORD FROM THE ARTIST

Collaboration and Support: A Village of Creativity and Care

“The community here at Wheke Fortress has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s often said that it takes a village, and in this case, the village was vibrant and multifaceted, full of people offering their unique gifts, talents, and care. Whether it was a kind word of encouragement, sharing food, or simply asking, “How are you doing?”—every gesture contributed to a nurturing environment that fueled my creativity.  

When reflecting on the process of bringing this project to life, I must acknowledge the incredible support network that surrounded me. A standout figure in this journey has been Sione Monū. Their encouragement and guidance made a profound impact on my first show. Sione’s advice to “dream big” resonated deeply, providing me with the confidence to fully realise my vision. Their hard work and belief in my capabilities ensured that I felt supported every step of the way.  

What makes Wheke Fortress truly special is not only the artistry but the love languages that show up in every corner of the space. From acts of service to words of affirmation, the care extended here goes beyond collaboration—it’s about connection. People would say, “Just keep going, keep visioning, keep making,” and it was this collective spirit that reminded me why this space thrives.  

This dynamic environment became a safe haven for making, dreaming, and growing. It’s why we continue to gather here—not just to create, but to share in each other’s journeys. The sense of community at Wheke is a testament to the magic that happens when care and creativity intersect”.