Student artist, impressionist

By Unumoe Esera

The art of tattooing is treasured in the Pacific as it tells the story about its people’s origins and their culture.
The different patterns and designs distinguish one ethnic group from another.

All this is depicted in the work of aspiring artist Iosefo Viliamu, a second year student at the National University of Samoa, Faculty of Education’s Expressive Arts Department, majoring in Visual Arts and Samoan.

In one of his paintings, a man with a traditional Samoan tattoo (soga’imiti) stands under the shade of a coconut tree and gazes out across the vast Pacific Ocean. Soga’imiti is a term given to Samoan men who have the tatau.
Other distinctive features in his painting are the combination of motifs inspired by Samoan, Maori and Marquesan tattoo designs.

Mr.Viliamu’s paintings are created using oil paint on canvas. He says he likes using oil paint because the colours are rich.
“I like cool colours that are often connected to the natural environment,” he said.
While painting Iosefo likes to have music playing in the background.

Iosefo Viliamu, future impressionist..

“Music gives me an added comfortable relaxing atmosphere,” he said.
“I like painting because it’s soothing and therapeutic.”

Mr. Viliamu’s passion for the arts started at the age of 12. He nurtured this passion and attended Leulumoega School of Fine Arts for a year. This exposed him to different arts and artists. He also admires the work of world-renowned artist/impressi

onist, Vincent Van Gogh.

Asked about his plans for the future, he said he wants to become an art teacher because it will be a great opportunity for him to share his natural talent as well as the knowledge and skills he learned from the FOE Expressive Arts Department, with the students and those who are passionate about art.
Mr.Viliamu’s work among that of other artists and photojournalists, were  shown at an art exhibition at the Tu’utu’uileloloto Hall on May 26-27 last year

.

 

Church minister’s killer did not like the churchman’s demands

 

Valaulu sentenced to 2 years in prison for the death of church minister Photo by Nicki-G

 

By Unumoe Esera

APIA: 17 Oct 2011: The 26 year old man responsible for the death of a church minister Fa’aesea Opetaia Liu from Alafua, Siusega and Vaoala, was brought to justice this afternoon before the Supreme Court.

Valaulu Alosio Amituanai, of Letogo and Vaoala was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 2 years at Tafaigata prison.

According to the police summary of facts on th 25th April, 2011 the deceased was returning from a picnic and stopped at Myna’s store at Vaoala. The deceased was drunk and he saw the defendant standing at the entrance of the store waiting for a transfer of credit. There was no evidence to say the defendant was drunk.

The deceased who was in a vehicle with his friends called out to the defendant to come do his shopping  even though they were not acquaintainces. It was more a demand than a request. The defendant came over to the car to get the money but something must have happened, the deceased snatched back the money and pushed the defendant back and called out for someone else to do his shopping.

An employee of the store heard him call and came out to get the money and to do the pastors shopping. The deceased left straight after.

The defendant who was angry at the deceased’s behaviour toward him went after him. One of the defendant’s friends saw what was about to happen and told him not to go after the deceased but he did not heed his advice.

He approached the deceased and grabbed his right hand and punched him on the left side of his jaw. The deceased fell on the ground and the impact of the fall caused blood to flow from his head. Bystanders placed the deceased on a truck and took him to the hospital. When he arrived for treatment he was pronounced dead.  The doctor said it was caused by internal bleeding in the brain.

The defendant was arrested on the same day and he admitted he had punched the deceased because he was angry he had asked him to do his shopping but he was a stranger.

“This is an unfortunate case where a life has been lost needlessly,” said Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

Justice Nelson took into consideration that the defendant was remorseful and regretful of his actions and an ifoga had been carried out and fully accepted by the family of the deceased who had forgiven him for his actions.

Manu Samoa promises to maintain good performance

By Unumoe Esera

APIA: 22 July 2011: A special lunch was hosted by the Samoa Tourism Authority for the Manu Samoa team to celebrate and acknowledge their win against Australia last week.

The Head of State, Prime Minister, government officials and sponsors of the team were present. The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English was also there.

In welcoming the guests and team, the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said.

“You have done us proud. May you continue to give a good performance in your upcoming games and train hard in preparation for the Rugby World Cup.”

Manu Samoa Head Coach, Fuimaono Titimaea said that the Manu Samoa team would work hard to improve their current placing as they are currently placed tenth in the world and will give it their all at the World Cup.

When asked about their match against Australia last week Manu Samoa player Manaia Salavea said, “ After our loss against Fiji, we knew we had to step up our game and I’m happy that we were able to secure a win against one of the top rugby teams in the World.”

Manu Samoa is to play against the Western Force in its final match before the World Cup starts mid September.