Contemporary Rotuman Artists

This section of the Rotuma website is dedicated to contemporary Rotuman artists who have drawn on the cultural traditions of thier home island to inspire their creations. If you qualify, or know of someone who qualifies, please notify the webmaster at alanhoward@hawaii.rr.com. Our goal is to provide a space where Rotuman artists can showcase their art for a worldwide as well as a Rotuman audience.
Photo of Konousi Aisake

Konousi Aisake is a wood carver and stained glass artist who lives in Vancouver B.C.

To view examples of his work, click here

 


Photo of Vilsoni Hereniko

Vilsoni Hereniko , from Mea, Hapmak, is an author, playwright, and filmmaker who lives in Honolulu, Hawai'i, where he is a Professor at the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai'i.

 


Photo of Rejieli Paulo

Rejieli Paulo is an opera singer with a growing reputation in Australia. She has moved to London, England, where she has been offered a place in the National Opera's 2004-2005 Season.


Photo of Sofia Tekela-Smith


Sofia Tekela-Smith is an accomplished artist and maker of jewellery & art objects, who makes her home in GreyLynn, Auckland, New Zealand.


Photo of Tonu Shane Eagleton

 

Tonu Shane Eagleton is a world-reknowned ecological woodcarver and educator. Heis the son of Kelera Sitiveni, whose family roots are in Motusa.


 

David Eggleton is also the son of Kelera Sitiveni. He is a prominent New Zealand author, poet, and literary reviewer.

 


Treena Rose is the daughter of Barry & Seforsa Johnson (nee Foster) who reside in Sydney. Seforsa is from Itu'ti'u and her parents are Jione and Emi Foster. Treena is an up-and-coming star on the pop music scene, and has performed in places like New York and Miami to rave reviews.



Sopapelu


Sopapelu Tipo Fatiaki was born in the village of Lopta, the son of Rev. Irava Fatiaki and Maria Fatiaki. He is a dancer and choreographer with the Oceania Dance Theatre in Suva.


Hupfeld Hoerder is a designer is the Fiji fashion industry. Hupfeld's mother is from Malhaha. He was production designer and costumes and make up artist for The Land Has Eyes. Pacific Quarterly presented him with The Small Business of the Year award for 2006. He was also named winner of the Handicraft Section and won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.


Alfred Ralifo


Alfred Ralifo is a biology and chemistry teacher at Nadroga Navosa Provincial High School in Nadroga. He won the top prize in the indigenous art category at the 2007 Fiji National Arts Exhibition for his painting fup akiag ne agero. He is the son of Sarote and Nofaga Ralifo of Noa'tau.