EIGHT artists showcased their artistic viewpoints on the climate crisis, developed during the Climate Artist Residencies in Germany, at the National Art Gallery last Wednesday in Suva.
Fiji Arts Council, in co-operation with Cultural Vistas, opened exhibition titled Tagi ni Vanua (The Cry of the Land), which features works created by artists during residencies in Germany, Fiji, and Samoa, as well as the Philippines, presented alongside contributions from local artists in Fiji whose practices reflect the impacts of climate change in the Pacific.
The Exhibition Curator, Adi Meretui Ratunabuabua-Divialagi, stated at the launch last week, the program seeks to enrich minds and foster careers through international exchange programs.
“Tonight, we will also launch the works of our own local artists, whose practices also engaged with the realities of climate change in the Pacific.
One Tomasi Delana (Pacific Blue Foundation) spoke on behalf of the residency of Clara Jo, who produced a 5-minute film titled Ash and Salt, which explores narratives around the climate crisis across different borders.
“Her work explores the emotional and political impact of how climate change affects regions are portrayed particularly in Western media,” Mr Delana shared.
“At the heart of the project is the story of resilience. With this work, Ms Jo challenges dominant narratives and offers an alternative grounded in place-based knowledge, traditional practices, and collective care.”
While, artist Ropate Kama, creator of the colouring and activity book The Sun, the Sea and Me, explained that the book serves as a means to express the psychological trauma or anxiety caused by the climate crisis and the human crisis.
“I really hope the intention of it is to create dialogue in a talanoa session, and for young, older kids to sit together and talk about the climate crisis.”
Additionally, artist Dr Apolonia Tamata returned, inspired by her exhibit, incorporating cultural symbols alongside depictions of nature in her exhibition and play titled Kakana ni Wai which tells the story of climate change in the Fijian communities.
Following the exhibition, the artists’ work will travel to Samoa, the Philippines, and then to Berlin, Germany, covering a distance of approximately 12,000 miles from Fiji.
The public is encouraged to experience the exhibition for its inter-generational sharing of knowledge and to engage with the various sensory visuals via multimedia and the use of local natural materials.
The exhibition is open until September 26.
