A local teenage artist, Malakai Seru, believes that more exposure is needed for artists in Fiji.

The 16-year-old was part of the Sofitel/Victoria Wines Art Exhibition for Cure Kids Fiji at Denarau Island in Nadi, which ended yesterday.

“I had a love for drawing at a very early age, and at just the age of 4 years old I was very much into drawing and to be part of this charity work is amazing, but I feel there is less exposure for us artists in Fiji, especially for young artists like us,” said Seru.

The Naweni, Cakaudrove, lad who had his art work exhibited beside professional artists.

“It is the first time for me to actually have my paintings exhibited like this, but it has given me encouragement and boosted my love for painting and for me it was actually trying to expose myself,” he said.

“I hope to learn from other artists and establish a name for myself and hope to establish my own business in the near future.”

Seru is an artist at Sigavou Studio, owned by prominent local artist Maria Rova.

Director of Operations Cure Kids Fiji Sally Cooper said they hoped to make the festival an annual event to give more exposure to local artists.

“Obviously art is part of the culture in Fiji regardless of your background, the history is in the story and everything and has always been told through the Arts,” she said.

“This is the first year we have done the exhibition and we plan to do it every year and grow the event. I personally think art does not get enough exposure in Fiji, which is kind of sad considering how important it is.

“We have had more than 40 artists, all of them Fijian products and Fijian made, and 10 per cent of this proceed is going to Cure Kids Fiji but then of course the rest of fund directly raised from the sell are going directly to the artists and going to the broader community.”

Ms Cooper said the team was looking to incorporate more performing arts next year.

“It is not just about arts that we have got on display but we will incorporate more performing arts, Music, Song and Dance, Song and making a weekend of celebrating art,” she said.

“To get more exposure that way, so it would be nice to also establish permanent studios for artists to be working out of and Tourists can come through and just see hundred per cent pure created Fijian art.”

The event was sponsored by Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa and Victoria Wines.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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