Papua: Local Artist Marks Independence with a K10, 000 Win

Local Artist Marks Independence with a K10, 000 Win

An Independence Day gift of K10, 000 was presented to local artist Apa Tengere as he was announced winner of the first prize for his painting during the Third Annual Live Lave Art Awards in Goroka recently.

Winning this, his 9th award among both domestic and international acclaims, Tengere won the judge’s choice for his piece called “The big feasting day for everyone in the village”

Launching the exhibition, University of Goroka Vice Chancellor Dr. Gairo Onagi said: “In the little ways we celebrate independence, we must not be held back because of our weaknesses or lack of achievements.”

In celebration of the vibrancy and creativity of contemporary artists in Papua New Guinea, the University of Goroka launched the third Live Lave Art Awards.

The exhibit offered a view into the diversity of social and regional perspectives of the country.

Contemporary artists of PNG presented visual critiques and comments on everyday life, cultural heritage, individual dreams, and universal desires.

Hundreds of Goroka residence and visitors were treated to a splendid display of PNG art paintings, prints, craft sculptural forms, bilum dress parade and films.

As a whole, this exhibition represents the evolving styles, attitudes, and contemporary aesthetics that continue grow and diversify within PNG.

Dr. Onagi said that’s the spirit in which UOG moves forward and this exhibition is one small step forward.

It is the university’s hope to one, build a gallery to house contemporary art collections and secondly to become a center for contemporary art traditions to be promoted and appreciated.

The Live Lave Art Awards was jointly sponsored by the New Guinea Fruit Company with a donation of K40, 000 and University Of Goroka with K30, 000.

Submitted in this year’s competition were forty-six art works.

Second prize of K6, 500 in the major category was awarded to Larry Santana, while first prize for Emerging Artist was given to Albert Joseph and Arnaud Baubil received the first prize for Innovative Craft Sculptural Form.

The Peoples Choice was awarded to Jeffry Feeger for his piece Mun Tuluana (The Sisters).

University of Goroka, unlike any other university in the country, is dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art and artists.

UOG hopes to continue collecting contemporary art from around the country that critically analyzes the contemporary present of our nation.

ENDS

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