Qiolele Features Talent in 'Mataka Vou' Art Exhibition
“I learned how to carve, sew and draw while I am incarcerated,” he said.
Tuesday 05 December 2023 | 15:33
Aisake Qiolele is excited to display his artwork at the ‘Mataka Vou’ Art Exhibition in Suva.
His artworks, along with those of other inmate artists, will be displayed at the Tagimoucia Art Gallery from tomorrow, December 6-9.
Qiolele joined the Tagimoucia Art Gallery in 2019 and said it was an eye opener for him.
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“I learned how to carve, sew and draw while I am incarcerated,” he said.
“I am thankful that I was able to tap into my hidden talent and this would be helpful for me once I am released.”
“In 2019, when I entered the gallery, I did not know how to draw and at that time our art teacher was Jane Ricketts, who nurtured my talent.
“I learned how to draw using pencil until I was able to use the paint brush and mix colours and draw on canvas. This is my third exhibition where I will showcase my artwork. I am looking forward to it.”
He said he was thankful to everyone who bought his artwork during the exhibitions.
“The first time I was part of the exhibition I was only able to show six of my artworks because I was not as experienced as I am today.
“In the second exhibition, I really improved and this time I am exhibiting 20 of my artworks. I am proud of how far I have come. Every exhibition is different because we work on different themes.”
Tomorrow the ‘Mataka Vou’ Art Exhibition will be launched at the Grand Pacific Hotel by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.
Qiolele is expected to be released from prison next year after being jailed in 2005 at the age of 23.
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