#TeamMela was popularised on Twitter when the social network was in its prime as a space where indigenous networks, thought, scholarship, creativity, sexuality, insights, entrepreneurship, and just everyday lives were shared, discussed and celebrated.

The hashtag #TeamPoly  connected Polynesians all over the world, documenting the complex dynamics between island-based communities and different diasporas, and the conditions of their identities and pride. Poly Twitter was/is a vast ocean, but it felt increasingly necessary to articulate the important differences and complexities of the wider scope of Moana Pacific experience. Along with Micronesian Twitter users (#TeamMicro), Melanesians started hashtagging #TeamMela in solidarity of connection and community, differentiating and complicating our vast Ocean in the micro-blogging universe.

This experimental series of custom-made Fijian fans was produced in Daku, Tailevu – a village now synonymous with the production of classic Fijian fans. Whilst Twitter no longer exists, and Vunilagi Vou is inactive on the X platform, this limited edition of Team Mela fans stands as an archive of Pacific Twitter, an homage and declaration of fierce solidarity with Melanesia. 

2023 | Edition of 50 | Woven pandanus