Learn about the Polynesian art of tapa making with artist-researchers from Tahiti. (photo courtesy of Getty Center)

The Getty Center is celebrating the U.S. debut of the exhibition “Joshua Reynolds’s Portrait of Mai and 18th-Century Portraiture” running through March 14, 2027.

Events during the first weekend of the exhibition highlight the artwork, including an all-ages workshop featuring the traditional Tahitian art making of tātau and tapa, art forms that have had a resurgence in the past decade and were nearly lost largely due to colonialism. Additionally, an art talk will focus on Reynolds’ making of the full-length portrait, “Mai’s time in England,” and his return voyage to Tahiti on Captain James Cook’s final voyage.

Join a drop-in “Artist-at-Work: Tapa Making and Stories in Ink: Tātau Bookmark Workshop” from Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18-20, at the Getty Center. The workshops begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Discover the Polynesian art of tapa making with artist-researchers from Tahiti. See how tree bark is transformed into cloth and decorated with patterns using natural dyes and traditional tools. Learn about the cultural meanings and stories behind the vibrant, living practice. Also, connect with the traditional art of tātau Polynesian tattoo.

Led by members of ‘ARIOI, an Indigenous cultural center in Tahiti, the drop-in workshop explores the powerful history, symbols and patterns of tātau and the stories they tell. Design a bookmark inspired by the living practice.

“The Amazing Portrait and Story of Mai” will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Getty Center and online. The discussion explores Reynolds’ painting and its extraordinary subject, Mai, the first Polynesian individual to visit England. Join author and historian Hampton Sides and Getty’s associate director of collections Richard Rand to hear about Reynolds’ making of the full-length portrait, Mai’s time in England from 1774-76 and his return voyage to Tahiti on Captain James Cook’s final voyage. A book signing with Hampton Sides follows the talk.

The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive. For information, visit getty.edu.