Brushstrokes of identity: Mere Rasue paints Fijian pride

Fiji Arts Council visual artist, Mere Rasue paints stories of identity, womanhood, and Fijian pride through every brushstroke.

Ms Rasue, who hails from Rokovuaka, Nalawa in Ra and shares family ties to Somosomo, Gau in Lomaiviti, has turned her personal journey into art that celebrates the strength and beauty of being Fijian.

One of her most treasured works is titled “Adidrau, named after her eldest daughter's middle name, who is 14 years old.

'Adidrau’ was named after my oldest girl,” Ms Rasue said.

“When I weaved my first liku, she was the first to model it for me. It helped me sketch the starting point of my painting. She asked what I would name it, and when I told her to choose, she said, ‘That should be my name.’ So, I labelled it Adidrau.”

The painting portrays a young Fijian girl standing at the doorway of womanhood.

“It speaks of identity, of who we are, and of the traditional culture that has been lost or taken away from us,” Ms Rasue said.

As a mother of five girls, she said balancing family life and art was never easy.

“I usually paint at night when the house is quiet,” she said.

Fiji Arts Council visual artist, Mere Rasue at the Fiji Museum on November 13, 2025

Photo: Asenaca Ratu

“Most times, I work until the early hours of the morning. It took me about two months to complete a painting.”

Ms Rasue also faced personal loss during that time.

“I lost my aunt, someone very close to me someone who I shared a special bond with, while I was preparing to submit my work,” she said.

“I was caring for her and grieving up until now, but I pushed through when I left the west  and finished my painting in time here at the Fiji Art Gallery, I’m thankful I made it.”

She said the value of a painting went beyond its price.

“The price depends on the time and heart you put into it,” she said.

“But for me, it’s more about preserving our Fijian identity through art.”

Through her paintings, Ms Rasue continues to honour her heritage and remind others that Fijian stories, like the liku should never fade away.