Pikinini Study

Pikinini series is deeply personal to me and perhaps the most powerful body of work I have embarked upon. It shares the stories of the children of Papua New Guinea, drawn from both learned and lived experiences.

There are a number of artworks and sketches within this series that will be released over time, each accompanied by its own story. Together, they aim to shed light on the gaze of a PNG child and the realities they navigate. As an artist, I believe it is important that we, whether from Papua New Guinea or elsewhere, take the time to listen to our children.

In this piece, a small child looks towards the sky but is instead greeted by leaves carrying fruit. The large red fruit serves as a symbol of dreams, aspirations and possibilities. It represents the visions that guide our children and call for their attention. If their dreams deserve their attention, then they deserve ours as well. It is our responsibility to help guide them towards paths of promise rather than harm, creating opportunities for them to face life with hope instead of fear.

For every obstacle, there is beauty. No matter how difficult life may seem, there is always something greater beyond what we can immediately see. There is possibility, growth and a future waiting to be discovered.

While the Pikinini series focuses on children, it is also a reminder that each of us was once a child. We remain someone's child, no matter how old we become. Every day is our first time living beyond the day before, learning as we go. In that sense, the dreams we carried as children should never be abandoned.

And the dream must not die.

More to come.

Dimensions:
40cm(h) x 30cm(w)

Medium:
Posca pen, acrylic, graphite cotton duck canvas.

NOTE: This artwork comes with an a black oak floating frame, ready to be mounted.

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