Tom Deko, Family II, recycled metal [Alcheringa Gallery,†Victoria BC – Nov 5-27]

John Marston, New Moon, maple and yew wood [Alcheringa Gallery,†Victoria BC – Nov 5-27]

Otto Timbin, Dancing Mask, wood, natural pigments, natural fibre and synthetic dye [Alcheringa Gallery,†Victoria BC – Nov 5-27]

Hailans to Ailans is an exhibit of work by contemporary Papua New Guinea artists previously shown at Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London, England. Described as international in scope, it includes pieces by two renowned Coast Salish artists, lessLIE (Leslie Robert Sam) and John Marston.

The title means “Highlands to Islands" in Tok Pisin, an English-based creole spoken in Papua New Guinea. Through weaving, painting, performance and sculpture, the artists explore themes of colonization, tradition and innovation, cultural and environmental sustainability, and the nature of identity in a fast-changing world. The unique artworks include string looping or hand weaving by Cathy Kata; pieces by Tom Deko that incorporate junk metal like car parts and appliances; Michael Mel’s performance art; paintings by Martin Morububuna and lessLIE that combine symbols and abstractions; a mask by Otto Timbin; and wood carvings by Claytus Yambon and John Marston.

Collectively, the work of the Papua artists speaks to the creative energy and vibrant cultural interplay melding the old and new in Papua New Guinea since its independence from Australia in 1975. The last 35 years have been described as “moving from the stone age to the space age in a lifetime." Contemporary Papua New Guinean artists strive to maintain and promote their cultural heritage while at the same time address the impact of modernization on their people. Like the Salish artists, they work from a rich heritage of aesthetic forms to embrace modern innovations in media, materials, style.

www.alcheringa-gallery.com