As part of the Australian High Commission’s Yumi Stap Wantaim celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, we have brought together artists from the two nations for a special exhibition celebrating our deep ties.
‘The Invisible Line: Stories, Legends and Past Connections’ has opened at the Cairns Regional Council’s Mulgrave Gallery with an official launch on Friday 12 September, attended by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Senator the Hon Nita Green, and Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People, Justin Mohamed.
Four PNG-based and four Australia-based artists have been working on the art project for the past six months, following workshops in Port Moresby held in March this year.
The Invisible Line highlights the ancestral and continued connections between PNG and Australia through art and stories. These stories celebrate Australian First Nation and PNG cultures, as well as contemporary expression and PNG diaspora voices in Australia.
The multi-disciplinary artists taking part in the exhibition include Mr Leonard Tebegetu (metal work), Ms Gazellah Bruder (printmaking, painting and metal work), Mr Pax Jukapa (painting), Mr Morgan Lavapo (painting), Mr Jimmy K Thaiday (sculpture, painting, print/etching), Mr Charlie Street (painting and graphics), Ms Wendy Mocke (multimedia, acting, writing), and Ms Bernadette Killin (visual arts and educator).
Renowned PNG artist Mr Lesley Wengembo and acting curator of the Mulgrave Gallery in Cairns, Ms Sally Brown, have curated the exhibition.
Quote attributed to Lesley Wengembo:
“It’s so good to see all eight artists of both countries come together, especially the moment they all met during their visit in Port Moresby – it was almost like they all knew each other. This exchange has been the highlight of their creativity process, that is now be displayed at the Mulgrave Gallery”.
Quote attributed to Ms Sally Brown:
“Visitors can look forward to experiencing the vibrant and authentic culture of Papua New Guinea. Behind every piece of art lies a story waiting to be discovered. The Invisible Line is an exhibition showcasing the rich tapestry of experiences from eight artists, each sharing their unique story through the lens of Papua New Guinea’s past and their hopes for the future.”
Ends.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100