Though only about the size of California, the nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is home to six million people and nearly 800 culturally, artistically, and linguistically distinctive communities. When the country gained independence from Australia in 1975, its people began the journey of creating a new, united, national identity while maintaining respect for the many lifeways of local communities. Integral to this process have been the contemporary visual artists of PNG, who have used their talents to create political statements on unity, equality, the decline of traditional ways, and the need to conserve the local environments.
In celebration of these novel artistic endeavors and to familiarize visitors with the traditional arts of PNG, the Spurlock Museum presents the Campbell Gallery exhibit “The Transforming Arts of Papua New Guinea.” The exhibit features both contemporary artworks and objects from the James D. and Virginia M. Tobin Collection of Melanesian Art, a group over 300 artifacts that came to the Spurlock Museum from Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology.
Several types of objects are highlighted in the exhibit, and ties often are made between established pieces and modern, artistic adaptations. One example is the bilum bag. Made by women, these string bags are used every day to carry firewood, school supplies, betel nuts, and even babies, but they are also ornamented and used for ceremonial purposes by men. Bilum designs can represent a community, honor the PNG flag, or serve as advertising for modern companies. Acknowledging its place in the life of women, a bilum was coupled with an image of the cross as logo for the 2009 World Women’s Day of Prayer, held in PNG.
Other objects take the visitor to sacred and political realms. The exhibit of the “haus tambaran,” or men’s ceremonial house, includes spirit figures, shields, and masks that would be found in these sanctuaries, where they are sheltered when not in use. The PNG House of Parliament was inspired by haus tambaran architecture, and photographs in the exhibit illustrate the shared symbolism associated with these alternative venues for government.
Three special events have been scheduled in collaboration with the exhibit. The opening reception, with an introductory talk by curator Professor Janet Dixon Keller, will be held on Friday, September 25. On Tuesday, October 19, the Campbell Family Lecture Series will sponsor An Evening with Dr. Michael Mel. Dr. Mel will speak on the contemporary arts in Papua New Guinea and, drawing on traditions of performing arts, will present a short performance piece that mixes past and present messages. On Wednesday, November 11, the Spurlock Museum Guild Lecture and Performance Series will present Dr. Jacquelyn Lewis-Harris’s talk “What's Yours is Mine: Contemporary Art, Appropriation, and Traditional Copyright.” In addition to the events, exhibit-specific tours will be offered.