An exhibition titled “Tagi ni Vanua” (The Cry of the Land) recently opened at the National Art Gallery in Suva, showcasing the work of eight artists who participated in the Climate Artist Residencies in Germany. This exhibition, organized by the Fiji Arts Council in partnership with Cultural Vistas, features creations from artists during their residencies in Germany, Fiji, Samoa, and the Philippines, alongside the work of local Fijian artists addressing the impact of climate change in the Pacific region.
The exhibition aims to enhance understanding and foster international career development through exchanges, as stated by Exhibition Curator Adi Meretui Ratunabuabua-Divialagi. Notable works include a short film by Clara Jo titled “Ash and Salt,” which investigates how climate change narratives are represented in the Western media, and artist Ropate Kama’s coloring book “The Sun, the Sea and Me,” designed to foster conversations about climate change among different age groups.
Dr. Apolonia Tamata, another participating artist, draws inspiration from cultural symbolism and integrates these elements with representations of nature in her work titled “Kakana ni Wai.” This piece comments on the environmental shifts affecting Fijian communities.
Following its showing in Suva, the exhibition will travel to Samoa, the Philippines, and Berlin, Germany, covering a journey of approximately 12,000 miles. The public is encouraged to visit this unique showcase, which will remain open until September 26th, to engage with the multimedia presentations and appreciate the use of local natural materials. The exhibition represents a vital inter-generational exchange of knowledge, promoting dialogue and reflection on the pressing issue of climate change in the Pacific.
These activities align with broader efforts that leverage traditional knowledge and cultural expressions in advocating for climate action. This exhibition, through its display of resilience and creativity, offers a hopeful outlook on how art can evoke profound engagement with the challenges of climate change. By sharing these powerful personal and artistic narratives, the exhibition not only raises awareness but also supports calls for systemic change to protect vulnerable communities, illustrating that collective efforts can lead to a sustainable future for the Pacific Islands and beyond.
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