In a vibrant celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary, a landmark art exhibition with the theme “Returning Home” has opened in Port Moresby, displaying the work of young PNG artists based in Australia.
The exhibition organized by Grace Hasu Dlabik, she is an interdisciplinary artist & cultural visionary based in Naarm with proud PNG roots.
Ms. Dlabik is from a mix parentage of Austria, Hungary and Papua New Guinea based in Naarm, Melbourne, Australia.
Together with her four colleagues who are also Papua New Guineans, their exhibition is a powerful exploration of identity, culture, and the enduring connection between tradition and contemporary life.
According to Ms. Dlabik, the exhibition centers on “art that reflects our stories, villages, who we are, where we come from and contemporary versions of how we exist in the world.
“It is a testament to the idea that art is a vital platform for preserving and celebrating the nation’s rich heritage, even as Papua New Guineans navigate an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world,” she said.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop commended the artists, highlighting their role in promoting PNG’s diverse cultures and traditions on a global stage.
“Living overseas, they have showcased our cultures and traditions through arts,” the Governor said, emphasizing that art will continue to be a source of inspiration for defining the nation’s journey over the next 50 years.
He also noted the exhibition aligns with the city’s vision to be a hub for arts, culture, and tourism, underscoring a growing recreational and artistic industry.
According to Ms. Fazilah Bazari, consultant in charge for the 50th Anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby, art has a unique ability to unite people through “unspoken words”.
She added that the exhibition is a testament to the power of art to connect individuals at a deeper, sensory level.
The “Our Roots, Our Stories” exhibition is a powerful reminder that while change is inevitable, the nation’s cultural roots and values, which have defined it for thousands of years, remain its core strength.
It is a proud moment for all Papua New Guineans to celebrate what independence means for them and to envision a stronger nation built through the unifying power of the arts.