Tribal Survival, 2005 by Rusiate Lali 122x61cm

Stunning Melanesian Aesthetic Energised with Powerful Modernist Expression

This beautiful painting was the cover artwork for the Tribal Revival Exhibition (October 2005) ...Gallery Gondwana first Sydney Show for Rusiate Lali' Fijian Artist Celebrates Indigenous Heritage'

Artwork is freighted stretched on the frame safely packed with MDF board either side for travel

by Rusiate

Whenever I go back to my roots
Time will be spent in the forest
Beside the river bank
Looking for a clearance
To find myself

At that moment strong presence surrounds me

It waits for me
Watching every move
Sensing every reaction

The forest is alive
Spirits standing
Eye contact
Door to the soul

Understand Remember
Never forget this experience
You’ll only see and feel them today
Not the next day
There will never be a tomorrow

Breathe in

Smell it
Taste the tegu in the air
Tremble but do not fear
Close your eyes for you are here

Feel the experience
Hear the birds (kalu sara)
Watch the snakes
You are here now

This is swamp land
My land
Your land
Our land
Many of you have travelled far

Left your families and friends
Memories and feelings that couldn’t mend
But you had no choice
This has to be done
For the soul purpose of experimenting
And expanding your ideas

The idea to understand life
To understand the after life
They take you there these spirits
They direct you when in need

This is my mana
It can be yours too
Only if you believe

Half my people say
This is the work of the devil
Isa vakaloloma
Guess what - this is old religion
As old as water

This is the Culture
Without this we are lost
This is the Mana
Mana Mana

That poet
Is fused with a contemporary art form
How far Tribal Revival will travel
Only time will tell