Explore the works of nine accomplished artists whose creations capture the essence of island life.
Walk into Jack’s of Fiji in the heart of Nadi town, and the history of the place comes alive around you. The recently unveiled Heritage Wing and Gallery of Fijian Art and Design celebrate the evolution of a flagship space that honours the store’s roots while inviting visitors into the vibrant world of local craftsmanship. The journey began in 1969, on the same site where Jack’s first opened under the name Jack’s Handicrafts. More than five decades later, that history has shaped the brand’s Nadi flagship store.
For director Nikul Khatri, the transformation came from a moment of reflection. As renovations were planned, the weight of the site’s past became impossible to ignore. The result was a space designed not just to modernise, but to honour where it all began. “Fast forward to the 2020s, the store required renovations and the history of the site really shaped the concept and ideas that we finally landed on and thus it is our ‘Flagship’ store and the particular section that we renovated has been named the Heritage Wing, in homage to our roots,” Nikul says proudly.
That sense of homage runs through the space. The Heritage Wing forms the foundation for the Gallery of Fijian Art and Design, a dedicated venue for local artists and a rare cultural offering in the Western Division. The idea grew from a clear understanding of what was missing. Opportunities for artists to showcase their work were limited, and visitors often had little access to authentic expressions of local creativity. “We understood that there are limited avenues for artists in Fiji and particularly the West to showcase their work, and similarly we noted that our customers in the West and particularly those who visit us from abroad have no real way to connect with our local arts and culture,” Nikul explains.
The inaugural exhibition, curated by one of the featured artists, Alice Hill, is titled Island Icons: Scenes of the Pacific and has been on show since late September 2025. The works reflect the sights and rhythms of life in Fiji, offering moments that feel both personal and shared. Nikul adds, “We invited artists to present works that celebrate the visual, emotional, and cultural landscapes of life in the Pacific. From sun-drenched coastlines and vibrant markets, to daily rituals, traditional patterns, and iconic Fijian flora and fauna, the idea was to bring together a diverse and colourful collection of iconic moments that define our islands.”
Works by highly regarded artists such as Alifereti Malai, Shane Bower, and Maria Rova are shown alongside those by accomplished practitioners including Arvindra Sukul, Mason J Lee, and others across Fiji’s creative landscape.
Meet the Artists
- Alice Hill – Glass art
- Alifereti Malai – Painting and masi-based work
- Arvindra Sukul – Acrylic painting
- Lynne McLaren – Sculptural and concrete works
- Maria Rova – Painting and cultural expression
- Mason J Lee – Symbolic and expressive pyrography art
- Peter Lancaster – Printmaking and works on paper
- Shane Bower – Metal sculpture
- Stanley Waradi – Sculpture using mixed and recycled materials
Together, their works create a layered portrait of Pacific life, celebrating difference while remaining grounded in shared experience.
Beyond visibility, the gallery creates tangible opportunities for artists. Their work is presented in a world-class gallery environment within a retail space that sees thousands of visitors each week. Proceeds from every sale are shared with the artists via individual agreements, sustaining both the creators’ livelihoods and the gallery’s mission as a cultural platform.
Visitors can move seamlessly between the original flagship building and the gallery through a covered, carpeted, all-glass overpass that crosses the road separating the two buildings. This allows guests to enjoy the view outside while moving from one space to the other, enhancing the experience and accessibility.
For visitors, the Heritage Wing offers something that sets Jack’s of Fiji apart in a town filled with shopping options, creating an immersive shopping experience that invites people to slow down and connect. Nikul believes that sense of authenticity is what draws people in. “The Heritage Wing offers something distinctly Fijian and authentic that you can’t find elsewhere, a place where craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling come together,” he says.
That pride has also been felt internally. Staff and management have embraced the new spaces with enthusiasm, seeing their own stories reflected on the walls. The Heritage Wing has become a reminder that the Fijian spirit is not just something Jack’s of Fiji sells, but something it lives through its people.
Looking ahead, the gallery is intended to evolve. While future artist talks, residencies, and live demonstrations are envisioned, the approach is intentionally organic. The current exhibition will eventually close, making way for a new theme and new collaborations with artists across Fiji.
At its core, the vision remains simple and enduring. “Our vision is simply to share our Fijian Spirit with the world,” Nikul says. And for those yet to experience the Heritage Wing and the Gallery of Fijian Art and Design, his invitation is just as straightforward. “There is nothing like it, come and see for yourself!”
*Story curated and published by EXPLORE Fiji, connecting people, place, and purpose through Fiji’s culture, arts, and tourism experiences.
Photo source: Jack’s of Fiji.
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