Eye-opener
A RECENT visit to an art exhibition of paintings at the GPH was an eye-opener to the huge talents hidden in the people of Fiji.
The paintings gave an insight into the thoughts and feelings of the painters.
They created wonder and magic and came up with impressive artwork, almost making things come to life.
It was a life-changing experience of enlightenment and surprise, and shock and realisation.
The paintings displayed inspired me to reflect on the importance and value of paintings in our lives.
Looking at the paintings made me appreciate and admire the beauty and richness of our visual environment and the power it has to transform the thoughts and feelings of human beings, in this case, the inmates of the Fiji Corrections Service.
A painting captures the eyes of the viewer and tells a story, perhaps giving some message portraying the emotions of the painter.
The artist has toiled for hours and days into perfecting his/her painting. The hidden feelings are given a physical shape and form through the painting.
There are no limitations to the use of colour in paintings and unexpected outcomes are even possible. Painting develops patience and perseverance. Painting is a means of self-expression and self-discovery.
They help in preserving the art, culture and traditions of a nation. Paintings depict the realities and imaginative aspects of life. It could even be abstract and chaotic. Some paintings are difficult to comprehend and it is left to the viewer to interpret the painting in his/her own way.
This is the beauty of paintings and you have your own takeaway. Many times, a painting has hidden meanings and messages with multiple interpretations possible.
I acknowledge the vision and wisdom of the management at the Fiji Corrections Service for giving opportunities to the inmates in vocational and technical training such as artwork, paintings and artefacts.
We need more functions and events like this to bring out the hidden knowledge, talents and skills in our people.
Paintings and artefacts are a celebration of creativity, imagination, originality and artistry. Vincent van Gogh, a famous 18th century painter of over 800 paintings had said, “I dream my paintings and I paint my dreams”, which has a deep and powerful meaning.
So go ahead and bring out your hidden talent and show the world what you have. BHAGWANJI BHINDI
Nasinu