An art exhibition was held at Tanoa International Hotel today, 5 April 2023. The exhibition featured four Tongan Artists to talk about their journey, their lives and the different variations of art that they create.

The sculptors and multi-traditional artists, Steve Fehoko and Tui’one Pulotu, took part along with modern visual artist Taniela Petelo, and a ngatu artist Luisa Nau.

The exhibition highlighted the importance of art and the role it plays in each individual life. Different kinds of art have different kinds of personalities. Art is a form of expressing one’s feelings and emotions, usually capturing a crowd’s attention for its beauty or strong emotional power.

“Art is something you have to be passionate about,” said Luisa.

“Being an artist is much deeper than it’s being given credit for in Tonga,” said Tui’one.

Each artist has received rewards for their beautiful hard and work but overall, the happiness and passion from the impacts of their craft has been the most rewarding.

Twenty two Tupou College Toloa students visited the exhibition. They had the opportunity to talk and walk through different works from the artists in the exhibition. The artists encouraged the young boys to follow their dreams and passion.

“If it’s something you like doing, then do it … some of you, not all of you, will become great artists one day, I just know it,” said Tui’one.

"Creativity takes courage - Henri Matisse.”