Arts

“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 […]

A young Nadi-based artist is redefining the boundaries of creativity through stunning sculptures made from discarded everyday items.

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

By Ben Wheeler There has been palpable excitement on the Fiji filmmaking scene over the past few years, and it reaches a crescendo this weekend as Andrew John Fakaua Ponton’s locally produced BATI opens across the country’s cinemas. That the film exists at all is a testament to patience and perseverance. It was shot in […]

The tide has started to turn as an upcoming filmmaker launches his film, Bati, approaching Pacific issues through a Pasifika lens. Born in Tuvalu, and raised and educated in Suva, Andrew John Fakaua Ponto is about to premiere his movie across the Pacific. Bati is a gripping drama which tells the story of a humble […]

“I think I have a very special story,” says Eni Kumar, as we settle down to chat. “When I look back to how it all started, I think it would be a great story to tell, something to leave behind, for the performers in Fiji, for
my children, and for those who would love to know about singers and how they got started.”

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 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 Ben Wheeler It’s always refreshing to see something different and original make its way on to the big screen amongst the latest Hollywood and Bollywood big-budget franchise instalments. It was therefore with great joy that amongst the listings for February I spied Sanjane Koneshamoorthy’s Arranged Love arriving in cinemas across the Fiji Islands. This […]

By Ben Wheeler Writer-director Sanjane Koneshamoorthy and director of photography Rah Sharma talk about their Australian-produced film Arranged Love, screening in Fiji this February. “I was a kid sitting in Nehru Primary, daydreaming about becoming an aircraft engineer, even though I struggled in my studies,” Sharma says. “Life took unexpected turns, but when you start […]

By Kite Pareti Local jewellery business ‘A Beautiful Mess’ emerged from the belief that life, creativity, and personal growth often involve a blend of chaos and beauty. “I wanted a name that captures the concept that even in the midst of disorder or challenges or even in a messy journey towards your goal or work, […]

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 Marilyn Cornelius, a writer with a heart full of stories, has just recently launched her first children’s book, Lani and the Cumquat Adventures. While the prolific writer has authored or co-authored 40 other books on self-love, trauma and positivity, this is her first children’s book. Like her earlier books, it reflects her […]

Boris Toucas: Ballpoint pen artist By Alipate Pareti With simple strokes of a humble ballpoint pen, Boris Toucas is bringing Suva to life in the pages of his sketchbook. The 40-year-old former French diplomat now resides in Fiji, where he is inspired by the beauty of landscapes, city skylines and people within the environment. In […]

By Ema Ganivatu The ‘Alchemy’ exhibition—which is currently open to all at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva— is a call to action for artists and art lovers to recognize the value of local creativity. “We need to promote that people can be inspired by what’s here and can create unique artwork,” says Alice Hill […]

By Ema Ganivatu The newly launched What Can You See in this ABC book brings together some of Fiji’s best-known artists with the goal of inspiring a reading culture among Fiji’s children. Authors Jane Ricketts and Joanne Vosailagi – who have combined their love of Fiji with their passion for reading and art – say […]

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 […]

Local dance company MATA is “bringing energy and power” to this year’s Dance Fest competition.