I begin by acknowledging the Jagera people and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane), the lands on which I live, work and create Papua New Guinean art and stories. I pay my respects to Jagera and Turrbal Elders past, present and emerging.

Welcome all!

My name is Jordan, though most refer to me as 'Grim Jordan,' a name that started as a nickname for my Instagram account and evolved into my brand and identity.  My journey as an artist began in the quiet of my childhood hideaway, where I would trace images from storybooks onto louver blades as the day faded away. However, it was my move to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, in 2012 that truly sparked my artistic growth. There, my work began to gain recognition and popularity among my peers, laying the groundwork for an extraordinary artistic career. I now have a collective following of 100,000 people across mainstream social media platforms and over 500,000 impressions monthly.

I draw inspiration from the stories passed down by my mother and grandparents, blending them with my own creativity to create artworks that reflect the resilience, challenges, and beauty of Papua New Guinea. Some stories are inspired by my observations of our evolution, from our ancestral beliefs and stories of deities to the tales of our modern society, its challenges, victories, and advocacy for equity.  Through my use of lines, patterns, and storytelling, I encourage viewers to explore the depth and complexity of Papua New Guinea's heritage. With unwavering passion and a commitment to truth, I channel the spirit of my ancestors, leaving a lasting impact on the art world and inspiring others to embrace their cultural roots.

My artistic skill and commitment have earned praise and recognition beyond the art world, allowing some of my work and stories to be showcased in the Air Niugini in-flight magazine, highlighting the advocacy woven into my art. My work has also earned recognition from prestigious organisations like the Bank of Papua New Guinea. In fact, a commissioned artwork by me is now featured on the 50 Kina Bank Note for the Bank's 50th Anniversary, solidifying my status as an established artist on the global stage.

I have collaborated with individuals and businesses across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the United States, crafting custom artworks that reflect my clients' unique visions and their connection to their ancestral roots. I have worked with Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, creating a series of custom-drawn, commissioned artworks to decorate their newly built hotel, among many others like PwC, ANZ PNG and KutMor to name a few. 

Driven by a deep desire to make a positive difference, I have donated many artworks to various charitable causes. My support extends to important initiatives such as the A21 Campaign's fight against modern slavery and sex trafficking and the supporting the great work of St John's Ambulance in PNG. Through these acts of kindness, I embarked on this philanthropic endeavour, showing unwavering dedication to using art as a tool for social change. In the past 12 months, I have donated art pieces to charitable causes, raising over AU$20,000, and over AU$50,000 since I started donating art pieces sitting around my home! And this is just the start!

In February 2023, I was a featured artist in a Sydney (Warrane) art show, captivating audiences with my work. Additionally, I held two sold-out shows in Brisbane (Meanjin) within a year and a third sold-out show in Melbourne (Naarm) in June 2024. These exhibitions not only highlight my talent but also lay the groundwork for future showcases in Australia, with plans for an exhibition in Papua New Guinea on the horizon.

For me, art is more than just a creative outlet—it's my passion and a means of escape. Despite lacking a formal background in fine arts, my dedication to artistic expression is unmistakable. With a Bachelor's degree in International Business, a second Bachelor's in Electronic Media, and a recent Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of Queensland in 2023, my artistic journey reflects the diverse influences that shape my creative vision.

Every day, after wrapping up my university classes and work commitments, I turn to my passion for art as a way to unwind and find balance. Art has become my refuge, a means of combating mental health challenges and finding solace. I actively encourage young Papua New Guineans to follow their passions, recognising the transformative power of creative pursuits.

It's nearly impossible to capture the stories of over 800 different tribes and languages in a single piece of art, but I have found a way. Tune in to my journey of passion, pain, and incredible resilience, all fuelled by my love for Papua New Guinea and its rich diversity.