Young Fijian artist Hefrani Barnes has launched her first solo art exhibition titled Emergent at the University of Fiji Suva Central Campus, showcasing more than 20 artworks focused on climate change, identity, health issues, and social challenges affecting Pacific communities.
The exhibition brought together students, artists, and invited guests in Suva to celebrate art as a platform for awareness, storytelling, and change.
During the event, guest speaker Letila Mitchell said artists play an important role in society by preserving knowledge, culture, and the truth of what communities experience.
She also praised the University for supporting young and emerging artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work.
Barnes’ mother, speaking on behalf of the artist who was unable to attend, said the exhibition reflects her daughter’s personal journey as a young artist living with epilepsy and explores issues including climate change, war, justice, and hope through different cultural materials and forms of artistic expression.
The University says its Suva Central Campus aims to become a leading contemporary Pacific arts and cultural space in Fiji.
