Culture

Bulamaibau reflects on our problems with positivity By Samantha Magick In a recent exhibition of many powerful artworks, the contributions of Ulamila Bulamaibau stood out for her delicate balancing of critical commentary and positivity. ‘Kudru’ brought together some of Fiji’s most prominent artists. It’s curator Larry Thomas said the exhibition was “about discontent, and I […]

Breathing life into objects “For some, I think, the rocking vessel venturing forth felt the closest to a mother cradling, though without her soothing voice. For some, I think, this voyage was never a choice but a last resort to continue living, though we quickly learned that death might have been more forgiving.” These opening […]

Fiji’s newest art gallery sits atop the air-conditioned haven of the Jack’s of Fiji complex in downtown Nadi. The Gallery of Fijian Art and Design sets out to celebrate and showcase Fiji’s creative heritage through painting, sculpture, glass work and various other art forms. While everything is for sale, visitors are also welcome to simply […]

Garments and objects marking the transition of iTaukei women from childhood to puberty are on display in a powerful exhibition at the Fiji Museum. Na Cagi Ni Veisau was centred on liku (fibre skirts), which were traditionally presented to women at different stages of their life journey; puberty, marriage and motherhood and maturity. Na Cagi […]

A recent exhibition at the National Art Gallery in Suva marked the iTaukei new year, and a collaboration between two artists exploring their roots and routes taken. ‘Vulaiwerewere’ opened on June 21, the first day of the indigenous new year. It brought together artists Ropate Kama and Rachael Halstead, who draw/paint and carve respectively, to […]

“I love Fiji, it’s never been out of my heart,” says Jean Bish, the protagonist and heart of the documentary Fiji Memory, Colonial Time, part-way through the film. Jean was born in Lami – just outside Suva – in 1925. A fourth- generation colonial, she had been away from Fiji for 40 years when her […]

‘Kudru’, an exhibition confronting  Fiji’s political and societal rumblings continues at the Fiji Arts Council gallery in central Suva this week. Curated by Larry Thomas, this is the third iteration of Kudru, and features six artists working in vastly different styles. Speaking at the recent opening, Thomas said “Kudru is about discontent, and I use […]

Nadia Freeman, also known by her artistic moniker ‘Miss Leading’, is a writer, poet, and electronic music producer. Her performance piece ‘The Girmit’ is her first creative exploration into the untold histories of the Fijian Indian diaspora, using electronic music.

A group of remarkable women from Nakera, in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu is weaving its way to national prominence.

Fijian archaeologist, author and cultural advocate Dr. Tarisi Vunidilo has returned to Fiji on a mission to help children reconnect with their identity through storytelling, language, and heritage. Dr. Vunidilo launched two major projects last night at the Fiji Museum: a bilingual children’s book titled Fiji: People, Culture and Identity, and a vibrant digital animation […]

Our identity, our sense of belonging, the space we inhabit, our spirituality, our totems – all these and more comprise fundamental elements of our existence. They dictate, to a certain extent, our interactions.

In the heart of Suva, where tradition and modernity often meet, fashion designer Temesia Tuicaumia is on a mission: to help Fijian men rediscover the strength in their roots—and wear it with pride.

The Fiji Museum recently wrapped up an inspiring three-day School Holiday Program that brought together children, artists, and educators under the theme: “Creating with Culture: Pottery, Masi, Theatre.”

Fiji’s national art gallery has taken a major step forward with the official announcement of its name: Na iTukuni National Art Gallery.

By Ema Ganivatu A collaboration between Fiji and Australia is set to bring a powerful and untold historical story to the screen. Unspoken, a joint production between Salt of the Earth Productions (SoTE) in Sydney and local Fijian filmmakers, tells the story of forbidden love and racial divides in colonial Fiji. Led by Fiji-born, Melbourne-based […]

By Kite Pareti Fiji finally has a permanent home for the important and diverse paintings and artwork collected by the Fiji Arts Council, and its array of colourful creative art pieces will leave you inspired. Located at the St Stephens Building in Suva, the National Art Gallery of Fiji has been in its new home […]

By Ema Ganivatu A new exhibition featuring artists of vastly different styles, but united by common themes, is currently showing at the Oceania Centre at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus. Ulamila Bulamaibau and Sangeeta Rubine’s works focus on social issues and the strength and resilience of women worldwide. As soon as I […]

By Kite Pareti The Rara Room at the Grand Pacific Hotel buzzes with excitement as families, friends and soon-to-be friends gather for one common purpose – the love for arts and crafts. Hosted at the end of every month, the ‘Art & Sip’ events facilitated by Peter Sipeli, founder of Guided Walking Tours, Suva, attract […]

By Prerna Priyanka At just 16, Navi Fong stumbled into a dance studio in Fiji and unknowingly stepped onto a path that would see him enthral Fijians and people across the globe. Fong is a mesmerising presence on stage, his long hair and tall, strong frame commanding attention. But since his stage debut, he has […]

By Samantha Magick Sugar is a commodity weighted with meaning in Fiji, from its role in the country’s economic history and migration stories to its place in the dietary choices and health status of its citizens. Sugar is also the title and connecting thread between the protagonists of a compelling new novel written by political […]

By Ema Ganivatu Fijian writer Adi Tulia Nacola has turned her talents to film with the release of her debut short film, Bubu Belo. This heartfelt project celebrates the beauty of village life and the strength of Fijian youth. Adi Nacola, from Soa in Nakorotubu, Ra, with maternal links to Nasukamai in Ra, wrote the […]

By Kite Pareti Lomanikoro, a small chiefly village in the province of Rewa in eastern Fiji, is the first site of an initiative that aims to reconnect young Fijians living abroad with their cultural roots. The initiative titled ‘Voyager: A Journey Back Home’, offers two weeks of hands-on learning experiences about Fijian customs, crafts, dance […]

By Ema Ganivatu For over 40 years, a 64-year-old i-Taukei craftswoman has captivated buyers, tourists, and locals with her beautifully crafted handmade products, earning admiration for her timeless skills and creativity. This year, Lanieta Raratabu, who traveled from Waimalua Settlement in Serea, Naitasiri, was one of the women participating in the National Craft Exhibition in […]

By Ema Ganivatu  Fijian Artist Irami Buli is sitting in a spacious room where his colorful pieces are displayed alongside works by other talented local artists. The works are submissions in the National Fine Arts Awards, which are now on display at the National Art Gallery in downtown Suva. “Art speaks to our identity, our history, and […]