When May feels like October … after soaring temperatures a month ago, it seems like autumn is already here … and you know, it’s that Sunday of long drawn out lunches and long overdue conversations…
#hygge
#octoberinmay
#elniño
#amoc
Throughout the next few weeks, I’ll be paying tribute to the WOMEN…MARAMA …महिला… אִשָׁה …FAFINE…FEFINE …FEMMES … that gave me part of them…
My Paternal grandmother Nanise Adi BabaîLevuka Daunivalu…
She took me into her arms, a 2 month old boy child, of her eldest son.
The voice that calls me back…
To my 5 million senses ….
Sorely sorely missed.
#myheart
#mybubu
Merci 🙏 @stephanielcaffarel for the shots… interview for television regarding #lacadrau and artistic work at the @mbachartres today.
Always a learning experience, a humbling one and an honour.
Thank you 🙏
It has been sometime since these vocal cords were filed back into shape … 😬
High time if them and I are to sing in Suva soon…🫣😎🤩 … wish us luck !
#fijibaritone
#fijiansinfrance
#fijianvoices
A week ago.
The exhibition « Fidji 1838 : Face à face » was launched at the @mbachartres in the presence of the newly elected Lord Mayor of Chartres, his excellency Ladislas Vergne, his excellency Laitia Tamata, Fiji’s ambassador to the UN - WHO in Geneva and to the EU, the director of the Chartres beaux Arts museum, Gregoire Hallé, and his staff, curator and head of the Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Oceanian collection Stephanie Leclerc-Caffarel and many distinguished guests including many Fijians living in France, the UK and from the EU.
I was honored, humbled and moved to address all present in my own mother tongue - in Fijian Vosa Vakabau.
This exhibition marks many firsts, including addressing a majority French public, in the heart of France, in Fijian.
#fidji1838
#villedechartres
#fijiansinfrance
#vosavakaviti
The making of one of the two « Lacadrau ».
When I was approached to create two contemporary works for « Fidji 1838 : Face à face » exhibition in Chartres which opened last Friday 03/04, I was naturally, honored by the proposal and opportunity. However, terror and excitement followed - what is it to be ?
I have paintings - mainly abstract, sketches, mosaics, sewn fabric collages which over the last eleven years have been my main expressions, not to mention the poetry and writing.
I started, as usual on four different pieces - woven, mixed medium with wood, plaster and Fijian materials such as magimagi, a collage with bone string and sennit, and lastly with two mats, woven in Fiji and gifted to me many years ago, which badly needed restoring.
When the mats came out for restoring - the « cucurui »process, « Lacadrau » naturally appeared out of it.
« Lacadrau » is that meeting point.
A coming together of different elements, both traditional Fijian woevn panadanus - voivoi, and European fabric and cloth - second hand bed sheets and pillow cases etc from the thrift shops, jutte sacking, wild hibiscus fiber - vau, and of course plastic - recuperated coffee and peanut packaging.
« Fidji 1838 : Face à face » is a Time Capsule opened before our Bert’s eyes almost 200 years later, « Lacadrau » or patchwork quilt is a representation of modern Fiji that different elements and influences have come together to create and exist in cultural continuity.
The two « Lacadrau » pieces hang and complete the « Fidji 1838: Face a face » exhibition at the Musee des Beaux Arts in Chartres.
#mbachartres
#fidji1838
#fidji1838faceaface
#villedechartres
#fijianartistinfrance
Holy Friday this year saw Chartres come alive with Fijians from all over France and Europe as we gather to celebrate the exhibition « Fidji 1838 : Face à face ».
Of course, it was the occasion to don our national and traditional costumes, which garnered commentary and compliment from curious youth to elderly ladies admiring the « Bernadette Chirac » inspired skirt.
No, I replied, this : is Ratu Sukuna.
On my way to pick up Ambassador Tamata and Mrs Tamata.
Many thanks to @fijianmummode for the pic !
#fidji1838
#mbachartres
#fijiansinfrance
#fijiansineurope
Are we ready? You bet!
We kick off tomorrow evening and opened all weekend for « Fidji : Face à Face »
Be here !
The PLACE to be - Chartres ! #mbachartres #quaibranlyjacqueschirac #villedechartres
#fijiansinfrance
The Chartres Musée des Beaux Arts is a hive of activities as the opening of « Fidji 1838 : Face à Face » draws near.
The objects have arrived and are meticulously handled to be displayed in the best positions possible for the public to contemplate, see and experience …
Amongst the objects is a breastplate - civa vonovono on loan from the Dublin Museum, mother of pearl necklaces and even one made from the lower jaw of the « beka » or fruit bat 🦇 🤩
The excitement is palpable as the teams work closely together to put the final touches to an exhibition that is already being discussed in the press and in art circles as one of the first on Fiji and one of a kind …
Visit and experience « Fidji 1838 : Face à face » à voyage back in Time, or even better, opening a time capsule sealed in 1838 and now ready to be opened and shared with you all…
🤗😘
Excitement as we count down to the opening of
« Fiji 1838 : Face à Face ».
Here in the city of Chartres, the billboards and posters are out on the streets pointing everyone to what the Beaux Arts magazine in France termed to be ‘ one of the most beautiful exhibitions in France for 2026…’ .
Will you be here ?
Join us as we celebrate not only a three week glimpse into Fidji in 1838, but also a celebration of the more than two hundred years of French Fijian relations and interactions.
Excited & a little petrified at the same time…
Many thanks @stephanielcaffarel for capturing the moment…
#fidji1838
#museedesbeauxartsdechartres
#museedequaibranlyjacqueschirac
#villedechartres
Brief on the exhibition “Fidji 1838 : Face à Face” opening in the Musée de Beaux Arts de Chartres on the 4th April 2026.
#fidji1838
#museedesbeauxartsdechartres
#museedequaibranlyjacqueschirac
#fijimuseum
#fijiansinfrance
