Describe the characteristics of the The Povi Pisupo series in this artwork's Reception and continuation of series.
The positive reception to Pisupo Lua Afe encouraged Tuffery to create more animal-based works made out of food tins. With more bulls to work with, Tuffery decided to create a piece of performance art entitled Povi tau vaga (The bull challenge), for the Wellington opening of the exhibition for the continued Povi Pisupo series. Working with artist Patrice Kaikilekofe, his bulls, accompanied by Samoan drumming and dancing, were wheeled along a route through central Wellington to the City Gallery in Te Ngākau Civic Square, where a "bullfight" commenced. This time, they included a wooden frame and wheels, so it could be transported more easily. Fireworks and Christmas tree lights were placed inside these powered bulls, showing a frightening mechanical display of colour. This performance was widely popular, prompting Tuffery to repeat the event for both the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane in 1999, both times with the new bull Povi Christkeke (Christchurch Bull). In Brisbane, the bulls were raced around inside the gallery while fireworks exploded, surprisingly causing no damage; this fiery spark is said to sum up Tuffery as a groundbreaking artist.
Te Ngākau Civic Square Brisbane Wellington Samoan City Gallery Queensland Art Gallery Christchurch Art Gallery