Fifty Fijian artists will display artworks they have been creating during the long, dark hours of the pandemic at the first-ever virtual art exhibition titled “Winds of Change – Cagi Ni Veisau” hosted by the Viti Association of Visual Artists (VAVA) from September 24 to 26.
In a statement, VAVA said the artworks would be showcased to art lovers and collectors in Fiji and around the world, all from the safety of their homes.
VAVA chairman and awardwinning artist Irami Buli said making a living as a local visual artist could be challenging in the best of times.
“Add a pandemic to the mix, coupled with closed borders and a tourism industry on standstill, and you end up with a daunting situation that has impacted our arts community heavily,” he said.
He also said the spirit of the virtual exhibition was to bring artists together to create opportunity and visibility, in a time when resources were frequently stretched, and other income streams had dried up.
“We invite everyone to come together in support of local artists at a time when every encouraging comment, and every sale, will make a real difference.”
VAVA has recently become an official entity with support from an ILO-funded advisory, helping build a strong support network within the arts community to develop more visibility, access to resources, and empowerment for Fiji artists.
Artists who will feature at the virtual exhibition include:
1. ALICE Hill is Fiji’s firstever glassblower and the creative spirit behind an out of the box artistic venture full of surprises.
- Originally from the United Kingdom where she trained and worked professionally as a glassblower, Hill has lived and worked in Fiji since 2003.
- From her Korotogo hillside studio overlooking the sea, the vibrant colours captured in glass often echo the hues of the environment.
- She combines stunning handblown glass with elements of local materials, traditions and techniques to create unique, beautiful contemporary art, which has become well known both locally and internationally and is widely collected.
- Her freshly blown, unique glass pieces will be featured in the upcoming virtual exhibition, “Winds of Change — Cagi Ni Veisau”.
2. ASAELI Tamani turned to painting when he was laid off from work because of the pandemic last year and will be exhibiting his works for the first time.
- Tamani hails from Vadravadra Village on the island of Gau, with maternal links to Bureiwai Village in Ra, and like a true Fijian loves his rugby. He now lives with his family in Narere, Suva.
- He enjoys painting in acrylics on canvas, exploring various styles as he hones his craft.
3. KAVITA Raniga sought an escape from the mundanity of daily life and a source of solace when she began to paint.
- The first-time exhibitor said it was along the way that she learnt that art actually has its own way of telling stories, drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and other cultures and linking her paintings with issues faced by women.
- “Art has given me purpose in life and I hope one day I can make a difference in this world through my work,” Raniga said.
- The Nadi-based emerging artist favours colourful acrylic paints, while using black ink for more delicate drawings and is looking forward to connecting with more artists and art lovers by participating in the virtual exhibition.
4. SONNY Sofe’s love of drawing during his childhood led him to his first job as a graphic designer.
- After singing on for a visual arts class, he discovered his passion for both painting and sculpture and has made a name for himself as a prominent carver of balabala or tree fern trunks, adding a unique, contemporary twist to a traditional art medium.
- Being of Rotuman and Samoan descent, Sofe’s engagement with motifs and symbols connected to his cultural roots can be seen in his exquisite tattoo work, which, before the pandemic, kept this enterprising artist’s order book filled for weeks at a time.
- He is no novice, having represented Fiji at the Melanesian Arts Festival in New Caledonia, and has won several awards at the Fiji Arts Council’s National Fine Arts exhibitions.
- With his wood carvings and paintings gracing the walls of Fiji’s top-end resorts, this artist is one to watch moving forward.
- His newest work will be showcased at VAVA’s virtual exhibition “Winds of Change — Cagi Ni Veisau”.
