A LOCAL Artist is currently participating in the PACIFIKA Indigenous Art Alliance Exhibition (PIAAE) at the Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre in North Queensland in Australia.
Martin Fakaia, a local talented artist who is currently residing in Australia was able to show case his beautiful Indigenous arts with different artists around the Pacifica Region.
Co-ordinator of the exhibition Garry Scott in an interview said, the exhibition featured not only paintings but also sculptures, carvings and short films.
He also congratulated Mr Fakaia for being part of the exhibition.
“I have always had a strong interest in Solomon Islands’ art and was planning to exhibit their arts to help give them exposure outside Solomon’s and of course sales.
“We met with many other Pacific and Australian Indigenous artists in Townsville and decided to join with them in an exhibition of Pasifika Indigenous arts,” Mr Scott added.
“It has proved a wonderful way of combining many unique and beautiful Indigenous arts.” Mr Scott said.
He said, Mr Fakaia is a truly gifted Solomon artist. It was good to see his beautiful drawings of his relatives swimming at Fanalei his home in Solomon Island.
Mr Fakaia said, it has been a fantastic opportunity for him to showcase his work and help other Solomon artists to keep doing their work.
Fakaia said, this exhibition will be an annual one in Townsville and also expect to be touring the exhibition around Australia in the future.
“I am very keen to work with Pasifika Indigenous Arts Alliance (PIAA) and with Jimmy Nare and Garry Scott, to grow this event,” he added.
Other artworks from Solomon Islands artists were also on display.
The exhibition which opened on Friday 5th December will close next month on 16th January 2015.
By ALFRED PAGEPITU
