Arts Society
Papua New Guinea
AKIS 2024 Art Prize
The Top 10 Finalists from The Arts Society Papua New Guinea Akis Art Prize.

With over 2,000 submissions from around Papua New Guinea, this year's competition was strong across all three divisions with the most outstanding artworks created in this year’s theme, “Looking Forward - Dreams & Aspirations for the Future of PNG” moving through to the final round of judging. Thirty finalists’ works were carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of artists, curators, and academics from Papua New Guinea, Australia, England, and the United States. The criteria for selection of Finalists included: Theme Adherence, Originality, Communication, and Craftsmanship.
The coveted Arts Society Akis Art Prize has been awarded to Abednego Meoree, who takes home the prestigious title and a prize of K25,000.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! The Arts Society Papua New Guinea extends its deepest appreciation to the many participants and supporters of the 2024 Akis Art Prize, and we celebrate the incredible talent emerging from all corners of our nation with the wonderful perspectives and insights expressed around this year’s theme through their amazing creations. Arts Society Papua New Guinea would also like to make special mention of the remote participants of this year’s competition as well as the educators who facilitated entries for their students to take part - your efforts are acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you.
The Top 30 Finalist’s works will now go on display at the PNG National Museum & Art Gallery from October 7 - December 7 this year. This event is free and open to the public so don’t miss your chance to see the artworks of this year’s Akis Art Prize for yourself!
Winners of this year’s competition will now celebrate their accomplishments at the winner’s presentation and Akis Art Prize Exhibition Opening Night on October 4th.
Thank you to our amazing judges, Dr Michael Mel (PNG), Ruth McDougall (AUS), Tim Solly (PNG), Shiva Lynn Burgos (FRA/US) & Skinder Hundal (UK).
As we commemorate this milestone, we also acknowledge the invaluable support of our Major Sponsor: ExxonMobil PNG LNG, as well as our Key Delivery Partners: PNG National Museum & Art Gallery, Post PNG, stori., and Art Activism PNG.
We extend special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors: Kumul Consolidated Holdings, Coca-Cola EuroPacific Partners Papua New Guinea, and Paga Hill Estate. Our Gold Sponsors: Pacific Land Corporation, Air Niugini Limited, and The Stanley Hotel & Suites, and our Silver Sponsors: Rotary Club of Port Moresby, Theodist, Pacific Industries, and Asia Pacific Communication Specialists.
Open #O11
Artist
Abednego Meoree

Description
‘Seeker of the Promises’ features a young girl with a book held in her right hand and embraced to her heart. Her left hand, she holds a candle giving light and chasing away the darkness that surrounds her. She is wrapped in a piece of cloth designed with intricate patterns, and looks

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on with determination and courage. In the Land of the Unexpected, where the echoes of tradition harmonise with the calls of the future, the young and brave one stood tall. Draped in the woven heritage of the ancestors, she symbolizes the emerging generation, the torch bearers of tomorrow, who will carry the burden and dreams of Papua New Guinea forward into the future. The book embraced in her right hand to her bosom symbolises knowledge and wisdom, and the unyielding power of education. More than mere pages and ink; the book is the vessel of aspirations, containing the narratives of past generations and the knowledge that will ignite the future. It holds not only the stories of resilience, the lesson learned, and the hopes for the future, but also the shared goals and aspirations we strive to achieve, guided by Christian principles that our nation was built upon, and the very values penned in the early days by the architects of this nation- our forefathers. In her left hand, a candle burns bright and glowing as a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness that surrounds her. The surrounding darkness represents the challenges and uncertainties facing the nation. Far from mere illumination, the candle light is the embodiment of resilience, hope and the enduring spirits of Papua New Guinea. The imposing darkness that surrounds her does not dampen the flame’s resolve. It rather serves as the backdrop against which its light shines all the brighter. Her youthful face radiates confidence, courage and determination. She is not daunted by what is lurking in the surrounding darkness or the uncertainties and challenges ahead, but instead looks forwards with resolve, ready to face the mysteries of the unknown. She is driven by vision of a future where the children of this country thrive and prosper. Her eyes reflect the collective dreams of a generation that will lead, innovate and carry this country into a future where our valued traditions and progress walk hand in hand. This artwork is more than just pencil strokes on a piece of paper; it is rich in symbolism and profound in its message, encapsulating the theme “Looking Forward- Dreams & Aspiration for the Future of Papua New Guinea”. It is a visual narrative of a journey from the shadows of constant challenges and uncertainties to the brilliance of hope. It tells the story of a generation poised to illuminate the path forward into the future for Papua New Guinea, guided by wisdom, Christian principals, obedience to the rule of law and education, carrying with them legacy of their ancestors and the dreams and aspiration of a nation. A journey of hope in pursuit of the promises that laid the foundation of this nation. The artwork is one of my original pieces and was inspired by my four-year-old daughter. It took me a total of 5 weeks to create this piece.

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Open #O30
Artist
Alexandrea Mullo
Description
The theme brought to mind a quote that I’d come across before, a Greek proverb which reads “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit”. Oftentimes I’ve heard it being said to young people that “we are the future of Papua New Guinea”.
While I agree with that, I think it’s important not to forget that the adults are the present, and what we do today is just as important as what we do tomorrow. The principles I focused on with this artwork are reciprocal altruism and continuance; I think that these are important for positive development. The child signifies hope for the future, whether they will have the guidance and preparation that is represented by “the tree’s” shadow depends on us.
Open #O258
Artist
Emmanuel Yando
Description
My artwork is a simple free hand drawing, done with only pencils on a A4 size paper. The artwork shows an old man in common PNG semi traditional clothes with a bilum cap and feathers on the back, painting a futuristic city on a canvas. The old man is a tribute to all our elders

who have contributed to art in our country over the years, including Mr. Akis. The semi-traditional dressing represents our developing country where it is partially developed in some areas while most parts are still living a traditional way of life. The painting canvas represents a dream or hope, most artist paint what they long for, and in this art, he is painting a futuristic city representing a better developed Papua New Guinea. A time that we all hope and dream for. Thus, he is looking forward with dreams and aspirations for the future of PNG.

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Open #O228
Artist
Dian Neah

Description
My artwork is a combination of different art styles of stippling art, line art, pencil colour drawing etc. As you can see, this piece of artwork vividly relates to the theme "looking forward- dreams and aspirations for the future of Papua New Guinea" in several ways: Dreams and
Ambitions: The little village girl dreaming of graduating and moving to the big city embodies the hopes and aspirations of many individuals in Papua New Guinea. Her vision of a brighter future symbolizes the broader desire for personal and national advancement. Contrast and Journey: The background featuring her village, seas, and flowers (designs) with images of buildings and skyscrapers represents the journey from rural beginnings to urban aspirations. This contrast highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition from a traditional lifestyle to a modern, urban future and it also describes the transition of Papua New Guinea as a developing. Growth and Progress: The presence of vibrant, natural elements like seas and flowers alongside the futuristic cityscape above the clouds suggests a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. It reflects the potential for growth while honouring cultural roots, illustrating a balanced path towards modernisation and development. Hope and Inspiration: The skyscrapers above the clouds signify high aspirations and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. This imagery inspires viewers to envision a future where dreams and aspirations are attainable, aligning with the theme of looking forward to a prosperous future for Papua New Guinea. Overall, the picture encapsulates the journey from aspiration to achievement, emphasizing both the beauty of the present and the promise of the future. Media Used 1. A3 size Paper 2. 20cm Ruler 3. Pencil (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, Charcoal: soft & medium) 4. Color Pencils 5. Micron Pen (size: 0.1, 0.2, 0.5 & 0.😎 6. Super Ink Marker

Open #O524
Artist
Malcolm Maira
Description
Title: Families
Techniques: Acrylic on canvas
Bio: Families in Papua New Guinea aspire to a brighter future filled with hope and opportunities for all. They dream of a nation where education is accessible and

tailored to nature young minds, empowering the next generation with skills and knowledge. There is a strong desire for economic growth that benefits local communities, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. Families envision a society that honours and preserve their rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and sustainable practices. Ultimately, they seek a united Papua New Guinea where every child can aspire to their fullest potential contributing to a prosperous and harmonious nation.

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Open #O524
Artist
Cornelius Yalamu

Description
Title: Elders Knowledge
Water colour painting on A2 size paper.The future is in the hands of our mothers, fathers, and elders. They have far more information than we have, therefore whether they live in a town or a village, we should all pay attention to
their guidance and use their knowledge to our advantage. This Artwork Through a forest, a mother strolls. The forest is a metaphor for our future, which is often unknown to us. Our parents or guardians are there to protect us at all times. The strength of our parents to lead and nurture us to become a better generation for our future and our nation is symbolized by the right hand clutching the stick. We kids can stray from the path from time to time, but parents and elders help us get back on track. The patterns on the bilum represent the wisdom of our elders, both past and present. The bilum is a symbol for all the practical knowledge and abilities that our elders have. We run the risk of losing these important talents if we do not take the time to learn from our parents and grandparents. **Needs We Have** Some of the ideals and self-respect that formerly defined Papua New Guinea have been lost. Respect for parents and elders is a common trait among today's youth. Confusion results from an excessive number of persons selling on the streets. Regaining the respect and morals that our nation once possessed would be beneficial. In order to ensure that everyone is secure and considerate to parents, senior citizens, and one another, we must establish guidelines. In this manner, the habits of the West won't have a negative impact on us in the future.
Open #O218
Artist
Dennis Nanuk
Description
A group of people looking over the sea towards a futuristic city. Their only challenge is to swim across the sea to get there. The idea behind this art work is that we can only imagine the type of future we want but to make it into reality we have to work together as a team leaving our differences behind. The sea is today's challenge we have to overcome for a better Papua New Guinea.


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Open #O478
Artist
Kyliemera Kapiri

Description
Title: The Transition
The Transition is a 150cm by 60cm mix media abstract art by Kyliemera NK Art. The medium used were acrylics, metallic paint, acrylic paint markers, florescent paint markers and metallic paint markers.
• The first layer or background: An abstract extract of darker shades to lighter shade of colors. The mixture of darker shades represents struggles before independence, in-between we have both darker colors mixing with the lighter color which represents the transition period and finally the light colors represents the future looking bright. • Wordings: Most of the words written were picked from the Akis website, social media through interviews and post. Starting from bottom left up shows few things that affected Papua New Guinea before independence, than to transition phase which is the present and finally what will happen in the future some years down the line. • The three black incline strips represents every struggles Papua New Guinea had, is and will face in the future. • The silver, bronze, and gold strips represent all the resources in the country that helps in Papua New Guinea economic growth. • The foot prints: - On the top left is the history of all man left behind in this country to grow this country. - On the bottom right is the history of all women left behind in this country to grow this country. • The three birds of paradise represent the people of Papua New Guinea. - The first bird of paradise represent before the independence. As you can see it is wearing a traditional head dress and holding stone axes presenting the highlands region and the arrows representing the coastal part and people of PNG. - The second bird of paradise represents the transition phase, the present stage of Papua New Guinea. This bird of paradise is wearing a graduation hat and holding a degree in one hand and the other it’s holding a money bag with the arrow; it’s trying to fly and is looking forward to many opportunities and changes for this country. This phase is where people are mixing cultural practices and ways with modern lifestyle. - The third bird of paradise represents the future of this country. This bird of paradise is dancing and showing of its potential and beauty. It is simply the dreams and aspiration of the first and second bird of paradise.
Open #118
Artist
Bio Yimawa
Description
The independent nation of PNG is a rich and wealthy but very slow in all levels of development.In order for us to see tremendous changes that we have been hoping for in the last 20 years, the art here tells us all the story. Every child of this nation cannot speak, so they asked me to

help them to rely their message through this image to us for their future. 1. Why a child? Children are the future leaders and makes almost half the population of this nation. Sir Late Michael Somare was once just a child like your son or daughter but later become the true Father and the long serving Prime Minister of this nation. 2. A visionary Child than a visionary Leader. Today everyone is talking about finding a visionary leader that will change the future of this nation forever but I tell you there will be none, unless every PNGns turn back to their homes, families and touch the brain of their kids. 3. Teach your child at home. The village house represent the rise of a nation begins at home. It does not matter what life you are living now, where you are coming from, what you are eating every dinner or struggles you are facing today, feed your child now each day to see his future with motivational taught. If they have already seen their future, who will stop them to achieve! 4. A Biro and a ruler Early represent Childhood education as vital. The government is struggling in spending more to build new universities and colleges but fails to establish the early childhood learning facilities more than universities in this country. 5. Break the Culture & Customs Barrier now. Now is the time to break the our customs, cultural and negative way of thinking that shape our way we do things. Eg. The future of the child depend on how much money the parents has- rich parents= success child- poor parents= unsuccessful child. 6. Respect every CHILD and give them what they deserved. *Treat your child with great respect *Every child has someone who take care of. Correct your child in ways that motivate them to focus their dreams.

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Open #O748
Artist
Ryan Bono

Description
The child in the picture represents the future.
The child is dressed part traditional and part modern showing that even if we venture into the future, we must not forget our culture and traditions.
The white light in front of the Child represents hope. A great hope for a better bright future The road represents the path to take The white lines on the road shows we got more steps go. We already took a step forward and there is also another white line in front for us to take another step forward. The speedlight flashing on both sides represents how time fly or how future can come quickly. The stars in the sky represents the aspirations, dreams and visions. The Clouds represent the changing nature of life. The buildings represent economic growth, infrastructure and development The Green trees and plants represents growth, life, peace and healthy environment The PNG flag represents our Nation, Papua New Guinea. The haus Parliament represents our leaders, country's principal, symbolizes our country, gives trust that the country will be in order and most of all It represents our country's rich and unique art culture.