Filani was born in Suva in 1964 and emigrated to New Zealand in 1972. Her art practice explores ideas of belonging, tradition, storytelling and religion. Macassey uses masi (Fijian barkcloth) as a recurring motif to further investigate conceptual elements of her art making. Being kailoma (children of Fijian women married to Europeans or other races) gives the artist a certain freedom in her artistic exploration. Having a strong traditional connection to the land and all aspects of indigenous Fijian life, she feels that she is not in a position to advocate tradition, and instead is left to question and investigate possibilities. Aside from her first solo exhibition in 1999, Macassey has curated several exhibitions and organised a number of workshops for Art Kaipara including lino prints, wood sculpture and visual arts.
Source : The Culture Trip