Kennedy’s solo exhibition taps into Fijian ‘nostalgia’
Fijian designer Robert Kennedy’s solo exhibition taps into nostalgia for his heritage and Fiji history.
Displayed at the J Hunter Pearl Boutique at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, are Mr Kennedy’s lithography prints inspired by his great grandfather’s vintage photographs in Fiji.
There are also other print styles and mediums featured.
“It’s a bit of a nostalgic trip; it’s Fiji of a different era,” he told SunBiz.
“I’ve fused his old photographs from the early 20th century with modern aesthetics.”
Mr Kennedy described the lithography printmaking process.
“In my contemporary lithography method, a smooth aluminium plate is roughened and treated with an affinitising liquid,” Mr Kennedy said.
“For the design, I use techniques like CAD (computer-aided design), and it is digitally printed onto acetate.
“This acetate is then exposed to photosensitive film covering the plate.
“During exposure, the photosensitive film reacts to light, leaving marks on the plate. In the subsequent development process, the softened areas are washed away, leaving only the cured design on the plate.
“After inking, when the plate is pressed onto paper, the ink adheres to the design, resulting in a detailed and versatile lithograph print.” Mr Kennedy learned this printmaking method by attending workshops at Lancaster Press Studios near his home in Sigatoka.
“They (Lancaster Press Studios) started printmaking down here about four years ago,” he said. “I did a couple of prints with them earlier this year, showcased it at their studio exhibition, and now I’ve created a whole collection.” Launched on December 8, the exhibition
features 24 pieces, which took Mr Kennedy a lot of work to put together.
He is a fourth-generation Fijian with Scottish and Swedish roots.
He has a degree in textile design from RMIT in Melbourne, Australia.
In Fiji in the early 2000s, Mr Kennedy showcased his skills and artistic talent by creating and selling masi artworks and commissioned projects.
Over the years, his work has extended to tourism properties, commercial enterprises, and his renowned Fijian fashion label.
Today, he is involved in fine art and lithography, where he collaborates with Lancaster Press Studios.
Mr Kennedy’s solo exhibition at the Grand Pacific Hotel explores a variety of print techniques, which he explains below.
Lithograph Prints:
Kennedy employs the nuanced lithography technique, utilising a metal plate and a hand press to transfer intricate images onto paper.