Pikinini blo tumoro IV - Heart of the Mountains

This piece is part of my Pikinini series and features a child from the mountains of Simbu and Jiwaka in the highlands region of Papua New Guinea. The child is surrounded by vivid colours and patterns that represent the mountainous landscape and the flowing tail of the red bird of paradise, creating a natural, symbolic frame.

The mountain-shaped patterns in the background carry deeper meaning—the brown inner layer features fish-like designs, a tribute to childhood memories of fishing in rivers, a favourite pastime in the Highlands. The green shapes echo the view of mountain ranges and hillside gardens from above, while smaller details highlight wild berries and the distinctive clay soil found in those regions.

Dressed in traditional attire from Simbu and Jiwaka, the child represents the future of Papua New Guinea—a future deeply rooted in cultural identity. The four gold-plated kina shells worn on the chest symbolise PNG’s four regions, reflecting unity, value, and the promise of a rich future.

This artwork is a tribute to the next generation—the children who carry our stories forward. It’s a reminder that by nurturing and preserving culture today, we shape a tomorrow that remembers where it came from.

Dimensions:
150cm (h) x 100cm (w)

Medium:
Posca pen and acrylic on linen canvas. 

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