Komunga Mul Kala (Colours of the Mountain)

There are many visual parallels between African and Papua New Guinean art including the patterns, vibrant colours, and the style we use to depict human figures. As a change of pace, I tried to lean into those similarities. I created this experimental piece featuring a woman from the Western Highlands. Her face markings reflect this, with added colour to represent the vibrant tones of the surrounding mountains.

This work, titled Komunga Mul Kala—which translates to The Colours of Mount Hagen—is part of a smaller series I create to explore ideas, play with colour, and refine visual elements before committing them to larger canvas works.

Dimensions:
75cm (h) x 60cm (w)

Medium:
Posca pen and acrylic on cotton duck canvas.