Exhibition at Suva Central Building

title: Liberation medium: oil on canvas

My first exhibition in Fiji, after a long recidency in Bangladesh takes place at the Suva Central Building in Suva, Fiji at 22th of april 2010, opening at 6 pm. I will show 15 new paintings in this 6th solo exhibition. This project is hosted by the Fiji Arts Council, curated by Peter Sipeli.

New Website

Welcome to my new website. My german friend Alfred helped me with getting into this. lets hope we get it run... Check his web-site www.alfred-banze.de

New Paintings

Title: The Star of Judah. Medium: Oil on Canvas.


Title: The Seat of Nirvana. Medium: Oil on Canvas.


Title: In the Heart of Creation. Medium: Oil on canvas

History

My art formation is derived from the Oceanic Traditional styles it is rooted in the voice of my ancestors through our cultural rituals, ceremonies & festivities. From the essence of my Fijian tradional art, I have developed it further into a more contemporary Oceanic style. Related to Fijian cultural, Catholic religious & Esoteric Spiritual contemporary influences. This contemporary art development has enabled me to voice out some major social & philosophical issues of my birth place & region.
Indigenous Fijian Culture has a long verbal & visual history past down through my ancestors, it has survived through the centuries in various movements of tribal war, this involves (vanua )Politics for the race to power & the possession of lands, it was also an established Kingdom culture during the early periods of the British colonial era. Fijian culture is circulated in the practice of oral tradition, magic, rituals, ceremonies & festivities. Our indigenous language & moral codes of behavior has been past down to us by our ancestors to safe guard our histories & our authenticity it is very much part of our daily life.
Roman Catholicism was introduced into our country through the France religious missionaries in the early periods of the British colonies they first landed on the furthers eastern parts of our sea of islands .Catholicism according to the Oxford dictionary, means Universality or the universal Church. It was founded by St Peter one of the very close disciples of the lord Jesus the Christ. The Catholic doctrines teaches about the seven holy sacraments,& the Universality of the Holy Trinity God ,who manifested into humanity so that we may by believing in him in turn share in his divinity.
Esoteric Spirituality is base on the Knowledge & wisdom of the ageless; it goes far beyond the human experiences & its histories. The study of spirituality is not only for the exercise of the mind it is for the testimony of the human spirit. In all Cultures & Religion of the World, it teaches about a certain type of spirituality & brings about a certain universal truth in its own unique ways. Esoteric spirituality is a much higher revelation to Buddhists &Occultists, it teaches about the unseen Universe in the life, form & wisdom of man. I have developed this deep sense of spirituality through contemplation, meditation & personal study on the subject matter.

Personal Statement

The essence of Cultures, Religions and Spiritualities is rooted in the formation of Universality. It is in a constant evolution of recreation and regeneration, within the cycle of history and creation in the universe.
Universality is a living entity progressing towards the path of perfection and purity through the movements and momentum of the orbs.
The earth is a planet naturally afloat and vibrating in the heavens, it is just a living particle of dust in the vast ocean of our universe. We humans as part of this creation are vessels of the limitless energies and powers that swirl as mighty storms around us.
The principalities and powers of our universe are some of the key players that influence every man that comes into existence .Man who are the gateways to these invisible influences are masters of living sacrifices, manifested and seen visible on earth, due to the fact that the human body is the vestment of the soul and this soul is the temple of the higher spirit.
This spirit opens to us the path of divine life that we may hear and listen to her calling and guiding us to the shores of divine light so that in this light, we may fulfill the cycle of recreation and regeneration through the Christ.
The Christ who is hidden in the body, crucified in the soul and raised in the spirit, by these mysteries, man will know the essence of universality of the holy Trinity, who binds the whole of history and creation in the form, life and wisdom of man. Yet deeper still man has to face a certain higher truth, found in him self that is the final liberation of his inner self.

My culture, religious belief, and spirituality

The essence of my being comes from three basic principles: my culture, religious belief, and spirituality.
My existence, how I think, feel, and behave is my culture. If you go deep into the roots of a particular culture you see that it is universal. Culture comes from a particular cult that existed at a certain time and has been built from there. It is not a tangible thing; it is wide and integrated in
the world itself. In the changing world we adapt to the change and grow onto another level of
experience. This affects our culture, it draws from those before and adapts to our lives today.
We can express our cultural values individually but as humans we share certain core values.
Individual cultural values are rooted in where you are born; where I was born is part of who I
am. Therefore my style of art is influenced by my cultural formation and makes me part of the
Fijian and Oceanic communities. I am a proud Fijian because I understand my culture.
My religious belief has two parts. The first is cultural religious belief practiced by my ancestors.
I learned about these rituals by living in my village. Certain elements exist today: sects of
people, chiefs, priests, and warriors. Sacrifice is fundamental to these cultural religious
practices, sacrifices based on nature; such as the offering of tabua, yaqona and herbs to the
elders of the father of a newborn child in an offering to the communities and ancestors to
bestow a blessing on that new born life. This cultural religion is breaking apart because people
are going to new religions brought over by the missionaries. When I was growing up I saw both
of these religions because I went to a Catholic school and was baptized as a Catholic. I
developed as a Catholic over the years accepting the sacraments. There are no boundaries
between my religious beliefs. Although these religions are seen as separate, I believe that there
is adherence between these two religions.
Spiritual journeys depend on an individual’s knowledge of the existence of the unseen. This
knowledge does not come on its own: ‘the master will come when the student is ready’. This is
how my spiritual journey has developed; the master always comes when he knows that I am
ready. I believe that every being has spirituality but we are born into one life and it depends on
the individual how they live that life. We should know where we come from and where we are
going. To me, spirituality is universal; it is part of you and me and the whole universe.
Spirituality is not limited to nature; it exists in all things. While much of spirituality remains
unseen, something that can be seen is the strength of family. It is the root of all humanity. For
me, I see my family first and then venture into the wider world.
These principles are part of a transformation of the world. My art is a testimony to these beliefs.
My art also speaks of gathering knowledge and enlightening your mind because that is who you
are as a being. How I think and feel is what I am going to paint because that is part of who I am.
My painting speaks to how and why I exist. Everything comes into existence for a reason and
my art form is part of a vision.
Through the paintings that I exhibit, I am revealing to my community and my audience that
there is unity amongst all humanity, no matter what culture, religion, or spirituality.
I believe that humans strive for perfection; however it is limited for us. This perfection can be
found in the unseen world. As an artist I strive for perfection, you will see that in my styles. My
basic principles spring from the essence of my being and I try to communicate to my audience
that it exists in them too. I believe that other people deeply rooted in their own culture, religion,
and spirituality will see and sense those ideas that I am expressing.

Curriculum Vitae

Education and Experiences;

2006-2010: Present living in Waisasavu Fijian Village, Naitasiri.
2008: Fellowship; Art history & print making ,MFA program, 9 months, Faculty of
Fine Arts Institution. Dhaka University. Bangladesh.
2000-2009: Senior Artist in residence, Research program Oceania Centre for Arts &
Culture. University of the South Pacific.U.S.P. Fiji. Under the
Directorship of Prof.Epeli HauÕofa.
2003: Small business, Ministry of Trade & Commerce.
1996-1999: Chevalier Hostel, Volunteer (Religious Vocation, msc).
1998: OCAC, USP.
1994: Mechanical Engineering, Walu bay, Suva.
1979-1992: ST Thomas Primary and Secondary School, Lautoka, Fiji.

Group Exhibitions:

Red Wave Group Exhibition at the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture.
2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1998.
2009: Group Exhibition, Abroginial artist.Justin Corby Tjungurrayi,Billy Pareroultja Tjungarrayi,Kathleen Petyarre.Brood Box gallery. Melbourne,Australia.
2009: Red Wave Group Exhibition, Pacific Islands Centre, University of Otago, New Zealand.
2010-2008, 2003-2006: Banyan Tree around the world traveling art exhibition, Germany.
2009: National Fine Arts Exhibition.
2009: Tribute to Prof.Epeli Hau Õofa, Oceania centre.Usp.
2008: 13th Afro-Asia-Pacific art biennale, Dhaka city, Bangladesh.
2008: 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition, Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.
2007: 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition, Oceania centre.USP.
2006: Winker Art Gallery, Papeeie, Tahiti.
2006: Cocovanille Art Gallery, Uruoa Tahiti.
2006: Danny Gallerie, Moorea Tahiti.
2006: 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival hosted by Fiji.
2006: Exhibition at The Ratu Iloilo vatu Art Gallery Fiji Institute Of Technology, Suva.
2006: Group Exhibition, Civic Centre, Suva, Fiji.
2006: Back drop for launch for Waka Ni Vuga Yali (music).
2006: Art Exhibition, Pacific epistemology.
2006: Art Exhibition Vaka Vuku conferences.
2006: May, Exhibition in London. October Gallery.
2005: National Arts Exhibition, Ratu Iloilo Art Gallery, FIT, Suva, Fiji.
2003, 2004: Arts on the Island I and II; Sheraton, Nadi.
2004: 9th Pacific Arts Festival, Indonesia, Palau.
2003: Fiji Arts Club, Group Exhibition.
2001: Art Exhibition, Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.
1998: Group Exhibition, Bradman Hall, Australian High Commission, Fiji.

Solo Fine Arts Exhibitions

2008: 5th Solo Art Exhibition & Installation work.Zainul Gallery. Faculty of Fine
Arts, Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
2008: 4thSolo Art Exhibition, Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture.USP, Fiji.
2003, 2004, 2005: 3rd Solo Exhibition, selected works, National Museum, Fiji.
2002: 2nd Solo Exhibition, Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture,Fiji.
2001: 1st Solo Art Exhibition & Installation work. Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture.
USP, Fiji.

Performances

2008, 2007, 2006, 2001: Contemporary dance group.

Published Works

2009: Pacific Librarian & Information Managers. Catching the Pacific Wave.
The University of Auckland General Library.
2009: Contemporary Pacific Megaz.ine, Hawaii.
2008: Fiji Times News Paper,
2008: USP beat, 40th Anniversary University of the South Pacific.
2008: Daily Star news paper, Dhaka.
2008: Patomalo news paper, Dhaka.
2008: Radio futi, Bangladesh.
2008: Double Dialogue, Art Magazine. Melbourne, Australian publication.
2007: Vitian magazine, 1 issue, Fiji Islands.
2007: Interview by the USP Beat.
2007: Daily Post News Paper.
2006: Fiji living Annual magazine.
2006: April Interview by the Fiji Daily Post.
2006: Vakavuku, conference Magazine.
2006: March, Interview by the USP Beat.
2006: CD Design, Gele ki na gele, Composition, Poji.
2005: Pacific Way Documentary.
2005: Fiji Times News paper.
2004: Sydney News paper, Art colume.Australia.
2004: French News paper, Madma, Paris.
2004: Daily Post news paper.
2003: European Union Annual Report.
2002: April, The Vision; SPAN No.52.
2000: CD Design, Wasawasa.Composition Sailas Tora.
2001: USP Beat article.
2001: Fiji Times news paper.
Annual Cover, Cathedral Sec School.1993.
Annual Cover design, St Thomas High School, 1992.

Video & Audio Documentaries

2009: PHD.Thesis interview (Art History dept. Auckland University) by Katherine H.
2009: Keynote Speaker (Tribute to Prof. Epeli Hauofa) Symposium at the
University of Otago.New Zealand.
2009: website. Banyan tree Traveling art Exhibition.
2008: Double Dialogue, Website; Australia.
2008: Website. Bangla arts jorlong.
2008: Documentary by the Zainul gallery, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2007: Interview on (MBA).East West Centre, Hawaii.
2006: Les Arts Melanesia, Issue.
2001-2006: USP Internet Website; Fiji.
2006: Documentary by the October Gallery, London.
2006: Art Conference, Video Documentation, Melanesian arts Festival, Fiji.
2004: 9th Pacific Arts Festival, Palau. Indonesia.
2001: Documentary Tijbaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.
2001: Sept, USP Media Production, Fiji.
2001: Pacifica Communication; Video Clip; Fiji.

Book Publication

2010: Banyan tree book publication, one artwork, short article.Germany.
2009: Two artworks and one short article in ESD Book.
2008: 10th Anniversary, Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.
2008: Red Wave Collective.OCAC, article By Kethorine Higgins PHD.
2008: Shilpokala acdemey.13th Afro-Asia-pacific art biennale book, Bangladesh.
2007: Art and life in Melanesia. By Susan C.

Awards/ Honors

2008: Invited Fiji Artist, 13th Afro-Asian-Pacific art biennial, Shilpokala
acedamy.Dhaka.
2007-2008: Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Awards, Bangladesh.
2006: Fiji Delegate 3rd Melanesian Arts festival, Fiji.
2006: Panel of judges during the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival for Artistic
Excellence (visual arts & crafts) hosted by Fiji.
2006: Invited VIP quest to a Contemporary Arabic art group Exhibition at the
British Museum, UK.
2004: Fiji Delegate 9th Pacific Arts festival, Palau.Indonisia.
2001: Invited Fiji Artist, Art Biennial de Noumea, and New Caledonia.

Conducted Art Presentations/ Workshops.

2009: Art Presentation, Victoria School of arts.Melbourne University. Australia.
2008: Art Presentation, (lecture) Faculty of fine Arts. Dhaka University.
Bangladesh.
2008: Art Presentation, (lecture), Fine Arts Institution, UDA.Bangladesh.
2008: Art Curating in gallery space, conducted by Zaid Islam. Bangladesh.
2008 Workshop at Britto Arts Trust, Etching aquaintant, conducted by Prof,
S Paula. India.
2008: Folk arts workshop, India, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh.Bindu, Nepal.
2008: Arts Presentation (lecture), Fine Arts Institution. Nepal University.
Kathmandu.
2007: Artists & Writers Intellectual copy rights laws, Conference, USP.
2007: Queensland University, Art conference and presentation, lies. Double
Dialogue. Trade winds. Convention centre, Fiji.
2007: Artist Creation workshop (psychology) Rusiate Lali.Fiji.
2007: Visual Arts, conducted workshop with boys Centre (Social Welfare) Fiji.
2006: Participated in the Conservation Workshop (visual arts), conducted by
Katherine Higgins PHD, East-West centre, Hawaii.
2006: Conducted workshop in London, Visting artist at St MartineÕs arts institution
London University.UK.
2005: Making canvass, creating individual frames for canvas art works &
Stretching of canvas.
2004: Workshop talks to new young artist at the Oceania Centre,USP.
2000: Visual Art workshop (painting), John Pule.New Zealand.
1998: Workshop with Queensland University, Australia.

Commission and Collection

University of the South Pacific. Fiji.
National Fiji Museum.
Catholic Missionary Society. Fiji
Prof, Epeli HauÕofa.Oceania Centre, USP.Fiji.
Prof,Vilisoni Hereniko, East-west Centre, Hawaii.
Prof, Kethorine Higgins, Boston, Canada.
Prof, Ann Mc cullion, Melbourn, Australia.
Deputy Ambassador for France, 2006.
Fiji Arts Council.
Mr.Mark Webma Red Cross Crescent, Swiserland, Europe.
October Gallery, London.UK.
Bindu arts Trust, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bangladesh National Museum.
Faculty of Fine arts, Dhaka University. Bangladesh.
Shilpokala acedamy, Dhaka.Bangladesh.
Prof,Patrick Vakoti,Uni of Otago.New Zeland.