Mama Graun V - Halo of the Highlands

Introducing Mama Graun V - Halo of the Highlands, a tribute to heritage, memory, and the land that raised my family. In 2024, I travelled back to Mount Hagen in Papua New Guinea to honour the second anniversary of my mother’s passing. While I was there, I collected soil from my mother’s village and brought it back home with me. I used the soil to create a yellow clay hue in the background of the artwork, infusing a piece of home into it.

As I began this piece, I discovered the rough texture of the canvas didn’t work well with my drawing pens, but I embraced the challenge. I began layering shades of aqua green, blue, and brown, colours of the forest, rivers, ocean, and land. The soil I gathered from the mountains created a natural, earthy texture, grounding the artwork in a real, raw element from PNG.

The central figure in this piece wears traditional face markings from the Jiwaka and Simbu regions, celebrating my grandmother’s Jiwaka lineage, a heritage I only began to learn about this year. These markings are framed in warm orange and ochre hues, colours derived from singsings (traditional performances) and death rites, symbolizing respect and reverence.

Totem-like patterns on either side of the figure imitate the pillar carvings of the Sepik region, paying homage to Papua New Guinea's spirit and artistry. Four kina shells encircle her, representing wealth and unity across PNG’s four regions, while swirling blue and red patterns mimic the country’s winding rivers.

A golden halo crowns her head, with feathers of the bird of paradise radiating strength, while delicate gold leaf details symbolize PNG’s rich natural resources. The headpiece is inspired by Jiwaka headdresses, with patterns honouring both the ocean and mountains. Dotted motifs represent the spiritual world—the footsteps of our ancestors.

Halo of the Highlands speaks to the reverence and light we owe to our mothers and their legacy. The 'halo' symbolises their spirit and wisdom and reveres the strength and resilience of Highlands women.

Dimensions: 

116cm (h) x 146cm (w)

Medium:
Posca pen, pestle and gold leaf on cotton canvas.

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