The first artwork exhibition by ten Samoan women artists was launched at Manamea Art Studio in Vaigaga Thursday night. 

The exhibition features 24 paintings in watercolour, acrylic, oil, and mixed media installations, and is on display until 16th May 2019. 

The artist and co-curator of Manamea Art Studio, Nikki Mariner-Peseta, invited 10 artists: Zarfia Amoa, Donna Kamu, Leua Latai, Rachel Laulu, Lealofi Siaopo, Jill Stanley, Vanya Taulealo, Nadya Vaa, Angelicca Voigt and Momoe Malietoa Von Reiche.

“The theme for the gallery is Fa'atai Ou Vae (fold your legs), it invited established artists with decades of international acclaim exhibit alongside emerging and new artists to consider and discuss the role of the physical body and body position in Samoan culture,"  Nikki  said. 

“Each woman interprets and expresses the exhibition theme according to her own perspective of life in Samoa. Some topics addressed in the artwork discuss domestic violence, caring for the environment, sex education, Christian faith, and public versus private conduct.

“I wanted to bring local women artists together to honour the work of Samoa’s well established artists as well as provide an opportunity for emerging artists. I’ll never forget the woman who gave me my first chance to exhibit in a gallery,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa was among special guests on the opening night.

The exhibition is at the Manamea Art Studio, at Vaigaga. Members of the public are invited to check it out.