Marama Dina is an exhibition born of research and engagement: ongoing research led by The Veiqia Project that aims to reconnect iTaukei ni Viti (Indigenous Fijian) women with traditional cultural practices; and inter-generational engagement developed through eight workshops over a 12-month period which began in 2018 at Campbelltown Arts Centre (C-A-C). 

The Marama Dina exhibition sees iTaukei women take over C-A-C to share the exploration of cultural rejuvenation and celebration with the wider community, presented in conjunction with the Yirran Miigaydhu exhibition.

Featuring new commissions by 10 artists from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, Marama Dina considers female iTaukei identities in the diaspora, be that away from Fiji or away from village life. The artists each consider how their blood lines and contemporary lives come together, and how they embody the past, present and future. Constructed within the exhibition is a vale ni soqo (village meeting house) offering a space where Pasifika communities can gather, learn and share knowledge. 

Members of The Veiqia Project have been in residence at C-A-C since October 2017, using the space to explore new artistic concepts and steadily engage with women in the Fijian communities of Western Sydney. Developed during this time at C-A-C, Marama Dina is respectfully led by a curatorium comprising members of The Veiqia Project, local Pasifika women and C-A-C staff. 

Artists include: Margaret Aull, Torika Bolatagici, Donita Vatuinaruku Hulme, Yasbelle Kerkow, Joana Monolagi, Dulcie Stewart, Salote Tawale, Luisa Tora, MC Trey aka Thelma Thomas and Emele Ugavule.

Exhibition: Saturday 17 August – Sunday 13 October 2019
Opening: Saturday 17 August | 2pm – 4pm

Artist Talk Sunday 18 August, 11am – 1pm with Dr Tarisi Vunidilo and Marama Dina artists.

Image: Details of Fijian women dancing on Cikobia Island. Photos by Arthur Hocart circa 1909 to 1914. (Ref: PAColl-1914-209. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23146048).