In this digital collage, the central image is a re-assembled pot from the ‘Lapita’ period, Oceania’s first inhabitants. In the re-assembling of ceramic shards, found across the region, patterns and motifs are revealed, like the DNA of the visual vocabulary we use today in Moana Oceania / Pacific creative and cultural production. Three repeated Fijian male forms are the iconic image entitled, “Mountain Chief” originally drawn by R. Atkinson in 1888. Kaiviti is someone from Fiji, Viti being Fiji in Fijian.

This print series was produced for, and inspired by, the Melanesian Festival Aotearoa and the profound visibility it has created for Auckland’s Melanesian community.

Kaiviti and Vanua are terms in Fijian language related to the ways we connect, identify and ground ourselves as Fijians. Kaiviti refers to someone from Fiji, and Vanua is defined as “interconnectedness inclusive of culture, chiefs, knowledge systems, relationships, values, land and spiritualities” (Fijian Vanue Research Framework).

This print series uses digital collage to create compositions that draw on popular imagery of Fijian identity, beliefs and spirituality, totems and cultural value systems. Sourced from the artist’s own photographic archives and the Internet, they stand as exuberant declarations and ownership of the complex world of Fiji and Fijians.

Epson Ultrachrome K3 archival inks on acid-free 210gsm Epson Enhanced Matte

2023 | 297x420mm (A3 size)

Vasemaca (FKA Ema) Tavola is a Fijian-Pākehā artist-curator currently based in South Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Tavola’s practice is aligned with the politics of decolonisation and indigenous feminisms, motherhood, and histories of BIPOC art and activism in the Global South. She established her painting practice in Suva, Fiji before relocating to South Auckland where she studied sculpture and arts management, and is currently undertaking postgraduate research in applied indigenous knowledge.

Since 2004, Tavola has produced curatorial projects for galleries and museums throughout Aotearoa and travelled extensively speaking on her approach to indigenous curatorial practice. In 2019, she established Vunilagi Vou, a shapeshifting gallery, creative studio and consultancy advocating for creative practice as a tool for connection, healing and decolonisation.

As a visual artist, Tavola has been exhibiting since 2000 showing in Fiji, Aotearoa, Europe, North America, Australia and the Pacific. She has work in public and private collections both nationally and internationally.

Born in Suva, Tavola is proud to belong to Mataqali Navusalevu, a sub-tribe of Natusara, from the village of Dravuni, the northernmost inhabited island of the province of Kadavu, Fiji.

For more information, see https://vasemacatavola.com/about/