Art shines at show

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere believes that Vanua Levu contains untapped market for traditional and contemporary art.

In opening the week-long Fiji Art Exhibition at Daku Resort in Savusavu on Monday night, Ratu Wiliame said the event gave him hope that there would be many more in the North.

“Art exhibitions bring the spirit and emotions of art to the people who will admire and understand the story behind each unique art piece,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“Art and fashion exhibitions are an excellent platform to discuss a particular art form and learn more about it and also an opportunity to meet with potential or existing customers.

“I have been reliably informed that the show has three main objectives and one of which is to introduce Suva-based artists to the North and to create a network between artists from both locations.”

For artists in the North, Ratu Wiliame said, this was a bonus as Suva artists would conduct workshops for students with advice and inspiration to possible types of contemporary art.

“I must mention, however, that many Savusavu artists have many years’ worth of work that are already recognised outside of Savusavu,” he said.

“Some of these, include Lynne McLaren’s cement creations which hang on the walls of the Sheraton Hotel in Denarau and Angie Rakai-Niumataiwalu who is known all over Fiji for her fabric workshops and has also taught in Thailand and New Zealand.

“Cherish Prasad has had several shows of his electrifying fashion creations both in Savusavu and in Suva.

“Katrina Brown’s mosaics decorate several resorts around the country and Joni Simpson is rapidly expanding her jewellery business online, just to name a few.”

Such contribution, Ratu Wiliame said, should be celebrated.