04 May 2019 Apia Samoa. The first group exhibition by local women artists in Samoa presented by Manamea Art Studio in Vaigaga opened on Thursday this week with Hon Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa giving the keynote address.
Faatai ou Vae ( Fold Your Legs) is unique in that it has established artists with decades of international acclaim exhibited alongside emerging and new artists.
The exhibition of new work is on display until May 16th and features twenty-four paintings in watercolour, acrylic, oil, and mixed media installations.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the exhibition, Co-creator Nikki Mariner says, “the theme invites artists to consider and discuss the role of the physical body and body position in Samoan culture”.
Themes discussed in the artwork displayed includes social development issues such as domestic violence, caring for the environment, sex education, Christian faith, and public versus private conduct.
Nikki Mariner says, “Each woman interprets and expresses the exhibition theme according to her own perspective of life in Samoa;
“I wanted to bring local women artists together to honour the work of Samoa’s well-established artists as well as provide an opportunity for emerging artists. I’ll never forget the woman who gave me my first chance to exhibit in a gallery.”
A great supporter of local artists, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa congratulated and commended the initiative by local Samoan artists.
She encouraged Samoan women artists to use this historical exhibition as the first stepping stone to building more creative communities and continue to support each other towards greater achievements.
This free event is open to the public and most of the artwork is available for art enthusiasts to own.
The exhibition features Zarfia Amoa, Donna Kamu, Leua Latai, Rachel Laulu, Jill Stanley, Vanya Taule’alo, Nadya Vaa, Angelicca Voigt, and veteran artist, poet and author Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche.
The Manamea Art Gallery has recently been refurbished to expand display space and cater for more art exhibitions in the future. Co-creators Lalovai Peseta and Nikki Mariner invite all to visit and experience the art work displayed over the next two weeks.
The gallery is located on the main road in Vaigaga and is open Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 11am – 3pm, and closed on Sundays.
Telephone: 601376
Email: manamea.art@gmail.com
Contact: Lalovai Peseta and Nikki Mariner
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