Colourful memories of Fiji
19 February 2009 Kamini Nair likes flowers and vibrant colours because they remind her of her homeland Fiji. Now living in Hamilton, she had her first solo show last year and her work is on display in a Sydney gallery until 7 March.
Kamini has been attending Sandz Gallery and Studio, Idea Services in Hamilton for the past ten years. Her show, Meadow, opened at The Framing Workshop in Hamilton last October and featured four large-scale, colour-filled works. One of the works sold for $600 on the opening night.
Now, two of Kamini’s large-scale works will feature in an exhibition of Sandz Gallery artists in Salters Café in Hamilton from 23 February.
Emma Fletcher, Sandz Gallery team leader, says that last year’s solo exhibition was a great success, portraying the breadth of Kamini’s talent to the community and, in particular, to her family circles.
“It also empowered her as an artist,” Emma says. “She continues to work prolifically, frequently recalling her big show and talking about what her next show will be. She’s very keen to sell her work at Salters Café.”
Of her first exhibition, Kamini says: “All my sisters, and my niece and her husband came and looked at the exhibition and took photos.”
Proud mother
As for her proud mother, Maria, she is grateful for all the opportunities that are available to Kamini.
“It was a big surprise when I first went to see Kamini’s exhibition at The Framing Workshop,” she recalls. “I couldn't believe that she had done such huge works. Her family, not only from New Zealand but also from all over the world – Fiji, America and Australia – are all so proud of Kamini and couldn't believe that she is an upcoming artist.”
Kamini’s work also features in Licorice Allsorts, an exhibition at the King St Gallery on William in Sydney. Curated by Peter Fay, it showcases work by Australian artists and a dozen Sandz Gallery artists. The work of Robert Rapson, formerly of Vincents’ Art Workshop in Wellington and now with Take 5 and Te Whare Marama in Lower Hutt, is also featured.
Sandz Gallery and Studio supports artists with intellectual disabilities to become independent artists, and promotes their work as an integral part of contemporary art. At the moment, 21 people participate in the gallery’s programmes.
Kamini attends Sandz Gallery from Monday to Friday. Emma says she loves depicting flora, fauna, bumble bees, birds, deer and cats.
“After sourcing particular imagery, Kamini brings them to life in beautifully layered pastel and acrylic works in bold Pacific-influenced colours,” she says. “She’s inspired by a diverse range of gardening manuals and florist-type books.”