Preserving Culture through Art
BY JAYJAY MESAAC
“My passion for art grew way back during my childhood days and continuously nurtured over the years through learning and experience”.
These are the words from Riaz Haikiu, a young and energetic artist from Bellona Island in the Renbel province.
Being a self-taught artist, young Haikiu is not new in the world of arts as he inherited the skills and knowledge through his family bloodline. The family which brought out from mostly specialized in traditional and contemporary art, so do Riaz. The Haikius before him already set their marks both nationally and internationally. Some of their artworks are now identified as the country’s national landmarks.
Haikiu who is the director of Zizonic Inspired @ Visual Arts and Cultural located at the Craft Market Centre at the National Art Gallery is a freelance artist who works on a contract basis.
“Being a self-taught artist, I have been greatly inspired by my environment around me as I grew up in a family of artists.
“My passion for art grew way back during my childhood days and continuously nurtured over the years through learning and experience.
“I regarded myself as a general artist! Someone who has the flexibility to work on a diverse medium that ranges from canvas, fabric, wood, stones, steel, and even our traditional bark cloths or tapa,” Riaz Haikiu said.
The strong support gained from his family and relative has motivated and stirred young Haikiu towards his dream, as he embraces and continues with what his forefathers have started.
For Riaz, every step that he takes and his day to day experiences have contributed a lot in his career build-up as he continues to venture and explore the beauty of art.
His passion for arts and his works were not only showcased locally. On several occasions, Haikiu joined the team of artists selected by the government of Solomon Islands to attend arts and cultural festivals and art exhibitions outside of the country, which he said he was so fortunate to represent the country in showcasing its unique arts.
“I learn new things in every step that I make in my career as I experienced and explore new things.
“The challenges which I encountered is a stepping stone for me as it encourages me to face reality and continue to venture and master the true beauty of art.
“I represented the country on several occasions abroad and I am proud to say that I never regret anything by showcasing my unique talent and presenting the beautiful and unique art of Solomon Islands in the international arena.
“After all, these arts tells a story of who we are”, he said.
He acknowledged himself for his involvement in art as an artist, where he uses his skill and talent to express his emotions and imagination in the form of art. Besides, he uses his talent to promote and preserve the country’s unique art, as it speaks volumes of our history.
