Gallery Gondwana in Fiji, an Art Lovers Perfect Escape

Leading Fijian multi media artist Rusiate Lali (above) through his art, speaks to us about his passion on the issue of climate change, and how it is affecting his country. He is particularly passionate about sea creatures and any sentient animal that is suffering as a result of human activity that is affecting the planet’s oceans and landmasses. Rusiate is also a dedicated supporter of his fellow Fijians, using his own success as a means of helping others in the Melanesian community by inspiring young people to become independent financially.

Having spent 10 years working between Alice Springs in Australia and Fiji, he has now returned home and is working from a studio at Gallery Gondawana Fiji. Rusiate’s familial credentials are sound having come from a long line of artists – potters, carvers, tapa cloth and fibre artists. His maternal grandmother’s renowned work as a raku potter is celebrated on Fiji’s one dollar coin. His own work is often interwoven with ancestral stories of how his Lapita family arrived in Fiji many generations ago.

In recent times he has branched out into the world of high end fashion, with experimental pieces adorning catwalk models in London 2016 fashion shows. Later that year his paintings were transformed into wearable art at the Alice Springs Spring/Summer Fashion show. For more of his work see: www.gallerygondwana.com.au/gallery-gondwana-fiji