Mama Graun V - Halo of the Highlands Part One

Introducing Mama Graun V - Halo of the Highlands, a tribute to heritage, memory, and the land that raised my family. This year, I traveled back to Papua New Guinea to honor my mother’s second death anniversary. I collected soil from her homeland, embedding it into my artwork to bring a piece of PNG itself into every stroke, infusing the story with depth and connection.

As I began this piece, I discovered the rough texture of the canvas didn’t work well with my drawing pens. So, I embraced the challenge, layering shades of aqua green, blue, and brown—colors of the forest, rivers, ocean, and land. The soil I gathered from the mountains created a natural, earthy texture, grounding the artwork in real, raw elements from PNG.

The central figure wears traditional face markings from Jiwaka and Simbu, celebrating my grandmother’s Jiwaka lineage, a heritage I only began to uncover this year. These markings are framed with warm orange and ochre hues—colors from singsings and death rites—symbolising respect and reverence. Totem-like patterns on each side imitate the pillar carvings of the Sepik region, honoring PNG’s spirit and artistry. Four kina shells encircle her, representing wealth and unity across PNG’s four regions, while swirls of blue and red mimic the nation’s winding rivers.

A golden halo surrounds her head, its feathers of the bird of paradise radiating strength, while delicate gold leaf details symbolise PNG’s rich resources. The headpiece is inspired by Jiwaka headdresses, with patterns that honor the ocean and mountains, and dotted motifs that represent the spiritual world—the footsteps of ancestors.

Halo of the Highlands speaks to the idea of honouring our mothers and their legacy with a sense of reverence and light. The "halo" symbolises their spirit, wisdom, and influence, surrounding them with a sense of sanctity, respect, and admiration. The term "Highlands" roots their presence in Papua New Guinea, specifically in the misty mountains, symbolising the unique culture, strength, and traditions of the Highlands woman.

This title suggests that they're more than just a figure in the artwork; they are a guiding presence, much like guardians or ancestral spirits, whose legacy is revered and celebrated with love and pride.

Dimensions | 116cm (h) x 146cm (w)

Medium: Posca Pens, Graphite, Varnish, Pestle, Gold leaves on unstretched canvas.

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