“ Many thanks deservedly go to Semisi Fetokai Potauaine for such a huge honour and privilege to have been chosen and invited as the Tongan artist to represent the tiny Kingdom of Tonga on the world stage at this truly global sociopolitical event of extreme artistic significance in none other than marvelous Egypt as one of the few great ancient civilisations.
It is said that many, if not all, of his so-called iconic works of art in steel sculpture are inspired by our very own ancient Tongan (and Moanan Oceanian) kupesi, the most beautiful and elaborate geometric designs, which will surely continue to uniquely inspire him in new ways for the ancient civilisation of Tonga at this magnificent global undertaking!
By the way, I understand that one of the most attractive twin steel sculptures Tunavakamea at the gateway to Vuna Wharf was taken down by Cyclone Gita and now dumped by the Ministry of Tourism at the foreshore, which is obviously (but really unthinkably and sadly so) to rot and waste away, when as a matter of fact they have been effective and useful tourist attractions amidst many other good things. ”