Annual Review 2016

NO.1 NEIGHBOUR: ART IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA 1966–2016 15 OCTOBER 2016 – 29 JANUARY 2017 QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY The vibrancy of contemporary artistic expression in Papua New Guinea was explored in this exhibition of work from the 1960s to the present. The ongoing relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea was a central thread, with projects profiling ongoing creative relationships between communities and individuals. 'No.1 Neighbour' was supported by the Gordon Darling Foundation and the Australian Government through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. FROM TOP Julia Mage'au Gray leads performance group Sunameke in a ‘Twist and Loop’ performance, responding to the Florence Jaukae Kamel’s bilum wear collection for 'No.1 Neighbour' / Photograph: Joe Ruckli Magdalene Shirley Moi-He, Consulate General of Papua New Guinea, demonstrates the preparation of traditional sago / Photograph: Brad Wagner His Excellency Charles Lepani, PNG’s High Commissioner to Australia, speaks at the Official Opening / Photograph: Mark Sherwood a Bit na Ta — ‘the source of the sea’ in Tolai language —was commissioned for ‘No.1 Neighbour' with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program. The video installation and performance event featured new songs by musicians including PNG’s celebrated George Telek and Australia’s David Bridie, combining the rich oral histories of the Tolai people with contemporary beats and personal stories. OPPOSITE PAGE Photograph: Mark Sherwood 36 ▼  REVIEW 2016 REVIEW 2016 ▼ 37 2016 IN REVIEW 2016 IN REVIEW