Cesar Cueva & Fealofani Elisara are excited to announce Elemento, a 5-part, 5-year series of work based on the five elements.
Through a shared subject medium of minerals and gemstones, Cueva & Elisara connect the Australian landscape and their respective Peruvian and Samoan heritage, meeting at the intersection of artefact, nature, meaning and matter.
Cueva's body of work features a series of photographic images entitled Contrapunto (Spanish for 'counterpoint').
"There are two stories in Contrapunto: Monocromo & Policroma. With them I travel time to connect with my past, keep in my present and contemplate the future."
Elisara's body of work, Taualuga, comprises a collection of jewellery work, each accompanied by a poem written by Elisara.
"In Samoan, 'Taulauga' represents the dance of life and also the final finesse of a monumental task.
Inspired by my Samoan ancestry, I have created beautiful talismans using nature's elements to spiritually armour, embellish and empower."
For the opening night of Elemento - Chapter One,Elisara & Cueva will share insights into their love of community and passion for Australian gemstones. The evening will be catered by Karl Firla of Restaurant Leo, with a traditional Samoan Siva Afi dance performance by Moemōana Schwenke.
Elemento - Chapter One will launch on Saturday 5 August 2023 6-8pm at Sevenmarks Gallery, Kiama.