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The Art and Artists: Local Talent on Display

Step past the hand-carved sculptures at Jack’s of Fiji’s entrance, glide up the escalators, and you’ll spot a master carver customising newly purchased pieces for eager customers. Beyond the plush seating (in that signature vibrant Jack’s green), you’ll discover a bright, modern gallery space elegantly displaying Fijian artwork adorning walls and pillars alike.

The gallery showcases works from multiple local artists, including Alifereti Malai, Arvindra Suku, Lynne McLarer, Marja Rova, Mason Lee, Shane Bower and Stanley Waradi. Each artist brings their own unique medium and technique to the table, from concrete sculptures to modern takes on masi-cloth (tapa) paintings, creating a wonderfully diverse collection of contemporary Fijian art you won’t want to miss.

Stanley Waradi transforms recycled plastic into stunning sculptures, while Lynne McLarer works her magic with shaped concrete. Mason Lee employs wood-burning techniques to create his distinctive pieces, and the collection ranges from intimate smaller-scale works to bold statement pieces that command attention.

Curated by Alice Hill and Peter Lancaster, other displays include “Island Icons” and “Scenes of the Pacific,” which beautifully capture Fiji’s landscapes, ocean themes and culture through a contemporary artistic lens.

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The Space and Experience

The bright welcoming space upstairs of the Jack’s of Fiji Heritage Wing is where this Fijian creativity comes alive. The gallery layout gives you plenty of room to wander and appreciate each piece, with artist summaries and interpretation panels dotted throughout to help you connect with the stories and techniques behind the work.

After browsing, sink into plush seating in the adjacent lounge area (complete with complimentary WiFi if you need to share your favourite finds). When hunger strikes, The Corner Café downstairs serves up a perfect excuse to extend your cultural immersion.

Perhaps the best part, there’s absolutely no pressure to buy, though every piece is available for purchase if something speaks to you. Best of all? No admission charges whatsoever.

As for the necessary logistics, the Gallery of Fijian Art & Designs is open when Jack’s is, welcoming visitors from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week.

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Your Gateway to Contemporary Fijian Art

For a trip to Nadi, this is a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s thriving contemporary art scene without having to trek all the way to Suva.

As most of us find ourselves on the western side of the main island, far from the Fiji Museum and the Fiji National Art Gallery in the capital, we would typically miss out on experiencing the incredible talent of local Fijian artists beyond the traditional handicrafts.

What’s more, it couldn’t be more fitting that the Gallery of Fijian Art & Design is housed within Jack’s of Fiji, which builds on its longstanding connections with local craftspeople. You’ll discover ambitious works that wouldn’t fit in the markets or even Jack’s own stores, giving you a richer, more complete picture of Fijian creativity.

When you visit, you’re not just viewing art; you’re supporting multiple generations of Fijian artists who finally have a platform to showcase their vision to visitors like us eager to learn the Fijian story.

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Conclusion

The Gallery of Fijian Art & Design offers you a brilliant (and free!) opportunity to discover local artistic talent whilst supporting the island’s creative community.

Pop in any day of the week to browse works by Fijian artists, pick up a unique piece to take home, or simply soak up the island’s creative spirit without spending a sili (cent). It’s a refreshing cultural stop that perfectly complements your Nadi adventure, giving you a taste of Fiji’s contemporary art scene alongside the traditional handicrafts you’ll find elsewhere in town.