Page 29 - Fiji Traveller Issue 3

Painting a love song to Fiji

Sigavou Studios

identity; the use of local resources to paint is a bonus.
"Every now and then we will play with different types of
materials, for example, the use of paper crit, which is a
mixture of mashed up newspaper and plaster to create a
really strong and robust sculpture," she adds.
While Rova experiments with different compositions,
and draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of
her Fijian families, there are consistent themes she uses;
the rhythmic, geometric patterns and earth-tones of Fijian
ancient barkcloth art find an echo alongside the dynamic,
joyful colours and abstract forms that characterises her
body of work.
She describes the paintings as a love song to Fiji.
"I feel so privileged to have just ended up here, living
on this tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean,
having the chance to just respond to all this, not just the
beauty, but the culture, the tensions, and the life here in
Fiji."
Sigavou Studio includes a gallery where you can view
many artworks. The studio area is home to talented
artists, who Rova mentors.
“There’s a chance to make a difference for local
creatives, to provide support because there’s so much
raw talent, but then being able to translate it into
sustainable income is challenging for most artists.
Creative individuals are often wired differently;
crunching numbers while sitting at their desk is not their
ideal work environment. But Rova says, if you are going
to survive in the industry, there are times where the
numbers matter. It can be an “interesting tightrope” she
says.
"We are slowly getting into it; they are getting a foot
through the door, and that is really satisfying for me to be
able to watch some of our young artists that have kind of
passed through our doors, picked up some skills along
the way, and watch them find their wings and fly."
Sigavou Studios is a place to view and buy art, and
it also runs occasional events, such as a well-attended
‘sip and paint’ night to celebrate International Women’s
Day. Rova’s art studio in Nadi is a family affair, and a
focal point for young emerging artists from around Fiji
who gather there when big projects are needed and extra
talent is needed.
The team’s community work includes visiting schools
to hold workshops and create murals.
“In those situations, it is always inevitable to find a kid
sitting at the back, withdrawn, while others are painting
away; maybe they’ve worn out their sandals. As a former

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