Ghetto Arts Out To Promote Local Art
“The top shop mural is our first major project following the pandemic and the engagement of major businesses, like FMF is an encouragement to local artists,”
Wednesday 29 September 2021 | 09:30
Ghetto Arts artists, (from left) Atueta Rabuka, Vika Satakala and Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu (Jr.) proudly showing their FMF sponsored mural at the Raiwaqa Top-Shop on September 28, 2021. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The mural on the wall of the famous top shop at Milverton Road in Raiwaqa, Suva, will surely attract you for a second detailed glance.
The multi-coloured FMF advertisement mural is a week-long projection by local arts group, Ghetto Arts.
Ghetto Arts co-ordinator, Atueta Rabuka said more engagement of local business houses is needed to promote local art and artists both for survival.
Related stories
“The top shop mural is our first major project following the pandemic and the engagement of major businesses, like FMF is an encouragement to local artists,” Mr Rabuka said.
The mural
The wall-to-wall mural took six days and eight artists to complete.
Some of the other notable projects carried out by the group has been at the Tanoa International Hotel, Sabeto and Yadua Village hall murals.
This included the the hand-made portrait of Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, entitled “The COVID-hero”, which was widely shared on social media.
“Our designs are a fusion of treditional and modern art with message to promote local culture through colours” added Mr Rabuka.
Artists
Another artist, 20 year-old Vika Satakala said, joining the Ghetto Arts brought her a ray of hope after losing her graphic designer employment at an ad agency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local artists like us can survive if more businesses support local talents and provide opportunities,” Ms Satakala said.
She is also asking parents to support their children and encourage them when it comes to promoting their art and craft talent as it could also be a source of income.
Artist, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu Jr shared the same sentiments by saying while young artists should focus on their studies first, but they should not suppress their hidden talents..
“We conducted some workshop for young artists and were surpriseds,” Mr Lalabalavu said.
Ghetto Arts is planning to compete all their pending projects which were put on hold due to the national restrictions. They are hoping to engage more artist with major projects coming their way.
