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 our future,” he tells Fiji Traveller.
“This event has been a way for us to revive national interests in the arts,” Buli explains.
“This gallery will be a platform for all art forms to be celebrated and acknowledged.”
Buli envisions the gallery as a space where artists, educators, and tourists can come together, share ideas, and explore Fiji’s cultural landscape in new ways.
More than just an exhibition space, he also sees the gallery as a place for social change, where art becomes a tool for addressing pressing issues like youth disengagement, drug abuse, and violence. “We need to offer alternatives to the youth, and art can do that, ” he states. “Art teaches discipline, self-expression, and creates opportunities.”
Buli believes while forging a career as an artist remains challenging in Fiji, there is reason to hope.
“When I first started, there was no social media. Artists must walk from door to door, knocking on galleries trying to find someone who would buy their work. That was the struggle”.
He says social media has opened new doors, allowing artists to showcase their work to wider audiences. But he believes establishing an art school or program will be crucial in nurturing the next generations of artists. “Fiji has so much untapped talent,” he says.
“We need to create pathways for young people to develop their skills and find professional opportunities in the arts”.
“Art is more than just a visual experience,” Irami adds. “It is a conversation one that will continue to shape our identity and our world.”
The artists and driving force at the gallery conclude: “We are paving the way for the next generation of artists. They will do even greater things.”
National Fine Art Award Winners:
National Fine Arts Award – Lambert Ho
Indigenous Art Award – Panapasa Vesikula
Sculpture Award – Stanley Waradi
Photography Award – Mereia Rova
Mixed media Art Award – Josaia McNamara
Print making art Award – Josua Toganivalu
Emerging Artist Art Award – Malakai Seru
People’s Choice Award – Mere Rasue
The National Art Gallery at St. Stephens Building on Victoria Parade opens from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
