American visual artist and iconic pop art figure Andy Warhol famously remarked that the greatest quality of a photograph is its permanence, remaining unchanged despite the evolving lives of the people captured within it. This sentiment rings particularly true in Fiji, where it’s almost a certainty to encounter a framed photograph or cherished memory preserved in a photo album when visiting a local home.
For those who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, this nostalgia likely resonates through memories of spontaneous trips to photo studios after school, where photos featuring floral or tropical backdrops were taken. These images, printed on glossy photo paper, represent the essence of moments that people hold dear for a lifetime.
Photographs serve as tangible reminders of past experiences, distinct from pictures viewed on digital screens.
Delving into Fiji’s photo history, we learn about Suva City in 1902, a vibrant capital city after its administrative shift from Levuka 25 years prior. During this time, a Frenchman named Le Faivre founded a photographic studio that, in 1904, was taken over by Frederick William Caine, who renamed it Caine’s Studios. For over 121 years, this establishment has played a pivotal role in documenting Fiji’s rich heritage through photography, transitioning through generations while remaining a steadfast presence in the community.
As the longest-running retailer in Suva, Caine’s Studios captured significant moments throughout Fiji’s colonial history, initially operating out of the location now occupied by the Victoria Arcade. The legacy continued as business evolved, with Mr. N.A. Khan and later his nephews, Hannif Akbar and Ben Mohammed Jannif, becoming vital figures in its journey. Their hard work allowed them to ascend from entry-level roles to key partners in the firm, which thrived after Mr. Caine’s retirement due to illness in 1935.
By 1953, Mr. Jannif emerged as the sole owner and shifted the studio to the Dahia building near the Suva Carnegie Library, retaining the original name while adding his own. Caines Jannif was established, expanding into retail and serving as dealers for leading camera brands. Mr. Jannif, a respected figure beyond his business ventures, held numerous public offices and earned significant accolades throughout his life.
Caines Jannif not only preserved memories through photography but also captured a historical narrative of Fiji’s evolution. Though the firm faced challenges like natural disasters that destroyed many of its priceless glass negatives, it remains a symbol of resilience, having survived through changing times.
Today, a visit to Caines Jannif’s office reveals traces of its storied past, echoing the enduring legacy of capturing Fiji’s history through photographs. This venerable institution recently closed its doors after over a century of dedicated service, marking the end of an era but inviting reflection on its significant contribution to preserving Fiji’s cultural and historical memories.
As we celebrate this milestone, we can look forward to the next chapter, which will share insights into the life of Ikbal Jannif, the son of Ben Jannif. This continuation of legacy, history, and the art of photography serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving both personal and collective memories for future generations.
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