APEC in PNG

'APEC in PNG' examines the Papua New Guinean view of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and more broadly, international diplomacy. APEC is among the multiple regional partnerships through with Australia seeks and exerts influence. This painting provides unique insights into how Australia is seen through the international lens of our neighbouring country, and previous ally, Papua New Guinea. It is also an interesting comment on how Australia is seen in relation to other international bodies, such as the United States of America, Japan, and Canada.

In 'APEC in PNG', Gende draws on his heritage to translate international country leaders or their diplomatic representatives into their Papuan equivalent. All the figures can be seen wearing ceremonial dress and elaborate headdresses that denote their status within a Papuan tribal framework.

Simon Gende is a contemporary artist from Papua New Guinea whose practice focuses on international events and the social and political issues that frame them. His interest in Australia is driven by the relationship he feels exists between PNG and Australia that has been forged by wartime. Stylistically Gende’s work is representative of a new generation of Papuan contemporary art that fuses both the traditional and contemporary art world. It brings together traditional Papuan design and geometric patterns, with the surrounding urban environment. Of marked influence on this artistic development was the impact of the Second World War which saw a period of rapid social and cultural transitions, and the proliferation of new technologies in PNG.