Takeinivula Creation Story Series - The Circle of Life (2002) by Rusiate Lali

Takeinivula Creation Story Series - The Circle of Life (2002) by Rusiate Lali, 41x41cm

This painting is from a series painted on the mythology Takeinivula which tells the story of how the artist's ancestors, the Lapita People, travelled from Tonga to Fiji and eventually settled in the province of Rewa. They were early potters and are still recognised for their craft today. Rusiate's grandmother, Taravini Wati was recognised as Fiji's leading potter with a postage stamp in her honour.

The legend says that Takeinivula (artist’s ancestral grandmother) travelled across the sea from Tonga to Fiji guided by a heron. She and her twin sister would metamorphose into the pandanus tree at night and travel as an octopus by day. Takeinivula was impregnated by the moon and produced a powerful son who would become a strong protector for the people of Rewa and closely aligned to the chief.

Many of the women in the family have the name Takeinivula.

Rusiate, one of the most exciting and provocative artists to exhibit at Gallery Gondwana, comes from a long lineage of potters, carvers, tapa cloth and fibre artists. Named Contemporary Fijian Artist of the Year in 1999, Rusiate’s work is a sensuous mix of past and present, myth and reality. He has had five solo exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions. To date much of his work has explored his personal experiences and his universal awareness of social issues. He handles these subjects with intelligence and sensitivity.

This painting is shipped on a frame ready to hang, protected by MDF board for safe travel.