Pikinini blo tumoro III - Lukautim Pikinini Fine Art Print

Recently in Port Moresby, the lifeless body of a toddler was found in a drain. He was a victim of negligence—one of many similar tragedies in a country where the vulnerable often go unheard. This is a heartbreaking reminder of the injustices faced by children in Papua New Guinea. When I first saw the image of his body, I felt compelled to create this piece in his memory.

This artwork is a tribute to him, and to all the little souls lost too soon. It’s a call for awareness, for change, and for protection of our children—the future of Papua New Guinea. Social media has begun to shed light on stories like his, giving voice to those who can’t speak for themselves.

In the painting, I used yellow as a symbol of caution, layered with confetti-like waves to represent the noise, the chaos, and the vibrancy of childhood that should be joyful—but is often tainted by harm. Red speaks to the blood and pain, a reality that many children unfortunately face. The child who was murdered was from the Southern Highlands, so in this piece he is dressed in the Southern Highlands traditional attire. The child looks out with innocence and quiet strength.

A green arch surrounds him, forming a protective shield—a symbol of hope, of what we owe our children: safety, love, and a future. Amid the uncertainty and turmoil, the child remains a symbol of continuity and promise. We must do all we can to protect that promise.