maketiartists & artisans

Creatingopportunities for paCifiC islands

ples

20 feb – 11 Mar 2012

www.Maketiples.CoM

CreatiVe arts prograMMaketi ples report

3w

eeks 6Co

untries

20artists

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has four trade offices located in Auckland, Beijing, Sydney, and Tokyo. The Trade offices work independently but are collectively known as Pacific Islands Trade & Invest.

We are the only Pacific Islands agency tasked by the Pacific leaders to develop, grow and promote industry and the businesses of all 14 Pacific Island countries in export, investment and tourism promotion across international markets.

Our four (4) key areas of focus are Exporter Services, Investment Services, Tourism Promotion and Creative Arts.

Pacific Trade & Invest firmly believes that the initiative, Maketi Ples is a crucial step forward in creating an enabling environment for the creative arts in the Pacific Islands region.

Trade Commissioner, Caleb Jarvis stated that “By investing in the creative arts sector, we are promoting the placement of a contemporary value on the traditional knowledge and expressions of culture of the Pacific communities.

We are witness to some outstanding sales, learnings and connections. Over time this will assist the industry to be sustainable.”

The success of Maketi Ples in 2011 confirms that a professionally presented commercial art exhibition provides a platform to promote and directly benefit the creator communities of the Pacific.

Maketi Ples assists Pacific Islands Trade & Invest to address one of the priority areas of the Pacific Plan: to foster economic development and promote opportunities for broad-based economic growth.

In 2012, Maketi Ples was held at Global Gallery, 5 Comber Street Paddington, NSW, Australia from Wednesday 22nd February to Sunday 11th March.

Place.

Maketi isSamoan

for Market, Ples is PNG

Tokpisin for

Artist Tessa Miller 2012 Maketi Ples exhibitor.

Maketi ples – the Context

The Creative Arts program, through wide consultations and continuing dialogue with key partners in the Australian market, has identified that there is an expressed interest in traditional art forms which is produced by Pacific Island contemporary creators. Keen interest has been shown in textiles, basketry and hand-carved products; an indication that the buyer market is interested in products specifically for home-wares created by artisans.

The promotion of Pacific Islands Fine Arts and Home-wares products is not synonymous with the traditional commercial gallery model. Based on the market information and feedback, the Creative Arts program set out to create an event ( “Maketi Ples”) to introduce the fine work of PIC’s artisans directly to Australian consumers, designers, retailers, importers and the Australian media.

In order to dispel the perception that Pacific Island artworks are made for the tourism market, Maketi Ples partnered with Global Gallery (a commercial art gallery) to create a professional promotional space for the artwork. Maketi Ples 2011 & 2012 were held at the Global Gallery, Paddington NSW. The Global Gallery is a large open plan gallery located within 100 metres of Oxford Street. Oxford St starts in the Sydney CBD and extends as far as Bondi Junction in the East. Paddington is one of the most historically rich, culturally vibrant and recognisable districts of Sydney. It is famous for its plethora of boutique retail shops, art galleries as well as many cafés and restaurants.

Participation in the event was open to all creators residing in the 14 Pacific Island Countries (PIC’s), excluding Australia and New Zealand. Creators were invited to submit an expression of interest in a standard format (PT&I designed template). Information was released directly to 77 Pacific Islands based contacts as well as communicated to over 5,000 contacts in the public and private sectors in the 14 PIC’s. It was expressed that successful participants (export ready individuals, groups or institutions) were required to have the capacity to participate; that is to have the ability to fund their airfare, daily meals, incidentals, accommodation, to freight and insure their products to and from Sydney.

The Creative Arts program funds the hire of gallery space, provides exhibition support, tailored market visits, facilitates appointments with interested buyers, and most importantly engages a PR agency to market and promote the event to the media.

Abraham Lagi detail of Love Is.

Maketi ples – the objeCtiVes

The Creative Arts is a dedicated program that seeks to address the following multiple objectives:

• To increase the commercial value of Pacific Island artists and artisans works of art in international markets,

• To increase the commercial value of the products borne from the traditional knowledge and expressions of culture of the Pacific creator communities,

• To promote and create awareness of Pacific Island creators,

• Present a professional event promoting the art works of Pacific island creators,

• Expand the professional networks between creators living in the region with each other, Australian based partners and collaborators.

Maketi ples 2012 - gaMe plan

October 2011 call out to creators – Expression of Interest (EOI) Released by email to over 5,000 contacts in Australia and the region

November 2011 EOI by application closed.

Curatorial Panel review of all incoming applications and the release of the final selection of Maketi Ples exhibitors

December 2011 The issue of Confirmation of Acceptance to Exhibit with the option to submit artworks for final approval

January 2012 Exhibitors finalisation of travel arrangements and freight of artworks

20 February 2012 Exhibition period (including installation and breakdown) – 11 March 2012

March & April 2012 Wrap up & & finalisation of sales figures with Global Gallery

May 2012 Remittance of net sales to exhibiting artists

July 2012 EOI issued for Maketi Ples 2013

September 2012 Maketi Ples 2013 Exhibitors finalised

November 2012 Maketi Ples 2012 sales and achievements finalised for PT&I Annual Report.

Namana Arts Fiji

the region’s response:

The call out for expressions of interest was issued electronically in October 2011. A total of 53 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) was received from 8 FICs by the due date (14th November 2011).

The Curatorial Panel accepted 39 EOIs with the balance of 14 submissions deemed unsuitable for Maketi Ples.

From the 39 submissions accepted by the curatorial panel, 19 artists did not proceed in the process with the remaining 20 artists continuing in their quest to source new international markets.

Of the 20 exhibiting artists, 12 were first time exhibitors in Maketi Ples with just 8 artists returning as exhibitors from the inaugural Maketi Ples 2011. It was with great satisfaction that the curatorial panel was able to include the first Micronesian exhibitor.

An exciting SME business based in Fiji, Dahia Shoes was invited as the final exhibitor to exhibit and promote a new product line based on their collaboration with a Fijian masi painter. Dahia Shoes exhibited alongside the region’s artworks as an example of the potential for the ethical commercialisation of the traditional knowledge and expressions of culture existing in the Pacific region.

Florence J. Kamel and John Maileseni.

the Maketi ples 2012 exhibitors

Cook Islands Kay George+ Loretta Reynolds*

Fiji Tessa Miller+ Namana Arts+ Abraham Lagi+ Dahia Shoes+

FSM Yvonne Neth*

Papua New Guinea Agnes Posanai # Laben Sakale John # Florence Jaukae Kamel # Martin Morububuna* Vinz Blaq+ Annie’s Pottery (Jimmy Amamao)* Henry Iyaro* Bob Iyalu*

Solomon Islands Ralph Ako* Luke Lua*

Kingdom of Tonga John (Sioni) Maileseni # Vola Tuaimeiuta # Tevita Latu # Tupe Langi*

* indicates that the artist exhibited their work but did not attend Maketi Ples 2012. + indicates that the artist was self sponsored # indicates that the artist was partially or fully sponsored by a Government Agency

Maketi ples 2012 prograM – 22 february to 11 MarCh

The exhibition was open from 10am to 6pm daily for the 3 week period.

Mon 20 & Tue 21 Feb Installation Days 1 & 2

Wed 22 Feb 6pm Opening of Maketi Ples 2012

23 Feb – 11 Mar Maketi Ples – Exhibition period

Thu 23 Feb 6pm Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (Special event)

Fri 24 Feb 10am Exhibitors guided tour of the Pacific Collection, Australian Museum

Sat 25 Feb 1pm Artists Talks and Demonstration Day

Fri 9 Mar 6pm IFC Event – Diversity & Inclusion Month (Special event)

Sun 11 Mar 5pm Closing of Maketi Ples 2012

Artists at the opening of Maketi Ples Left to right: Tessa Miller, Kay George, Vola Tuaimeiuta, John Maileseni

iTangaroa (acrylic on canvas) - Loretta Reynolds

thu 23 feb to sun 11 Mar Maketi ples exhibition period

The exhibition period was held over a three week period with the gallery doors open from 10.30am to 6pm including weekends.

Global Gallery, Paddington has the distinct advantage of a continuous stream of visitors; neighbours, workers, dedicated art buyers and interested people diverted by the street sign placed each day on Oxford Street promoting Maketi Ples as a Pacific Island art exhibition. We engaged with international visitors and buyers from Canada, Germany, USA, Fiji, Hawaii, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea; as well as visitors from Melbourne, Wollongong, Northern Rivers of NSW and the greater Sydney.

thu 23 feb women Chiefs of enterprises international (special event)

The launch of Statement Journeys took place at a private event for the Women Chiefs of Enterprises International on Thursday 23rd February. Ms Julie Ankers and business partner, Ms Wendy Crane launched their first Statement Journey product which is a guided tour of the Cook Islands with a specific focus on the creative sector of the Cook Islands.

Mai Polynesia wowed their audience with their lively performance. The pate drumming brought parents and children running from the neighbouring houses to watch in fascination, even business men in their suits, stopped to watch.

eVents:

wed 22 feb opening of Maketi ples 2012

The pre-view event (Opening) was held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday 22nd February with over 90 visitors in attendance. The Spirit of the Islands (SOTI) Dance Company performed the Samoan Taupou Siva in front of an enthralled audience. Sales began in the early part of the afternoon and there was a steady stream of buyers at the sales desk keeping the team extremely busy. The official welcome was delayed by half an hour so there was minimal disruption to the flow of sales.

There were a significant number of return buyers from the inaugural event and they were pleasantly surprised that the sales team remembered them and in some instances were able to address the buyer by name. There were also new visitors to the Maketi Ples who were very complimentary in their review of the event, the standard of workmanship and the innovation of the creators.

SOTI team leader, Tito Schmidt-Stowers drew a lot of attention when he appeared at the entrance of the gallery accompanied by the smell of fuel accelerant – the sun had dropped below the horizon and the lighting was just about right to bring on the fire dance; with a shout and a jig, Tito took everyone’s attention with his performance, the fire alarms were set off by the twirling rods and the claps and shouting from the audience brought neighbours out of their homes and onto Comber Street and footpath, eager to catch a glimpse of this unique performance.

The most exciting news of the evening was that the opening sales of Maketi Ples 2012 were double the figure of 2011.

Florence Jaukae Kamel (PNG) views her bilumwear creations that were acquired through Maketi Ples by the Australian Museum for inclusion in the Pacific Collections in 2011

fri 24 feb Maketi ples exhibitors guided tour of the pacific Collection in stores, australian Museum

An integral part of the Maketi Ples program is the option for visiting artists to participate in a private and guided tour of the Pacific Collection which is held in storage at the Australian Museum. The visit to view the Pacific Collection is facilitated by Mr Dion Pieta, (Pacific Collections Manager) and Ms Yvonne Carrillo-Huffman (Pacific Collections Technical Officer).

The group was split into two groups based on what the participants expressed that was of particular interest to them, as artists and descendants of the creators of the material objects. The Pacific Collection holds over 60, 000 material objects from the region.

We were all fascinated to see the intricate markings of large Fijian masi, some markings that have long been forgotten or never seen in contemporary masi paintings. Vola Tuaimeiuta was so excited to view the largest sperm whale tooth that he has ever seen. The Melanesian group was intrigued by the body adornment of the east coast communities of the Papuan coastline – descendants that were until this visit were not even aware of the innovation and skills of their ancestors.

This year, we were fortunate to be at the Australian Museum when one of the most important Australian indigenous exhibitions was held, the Canning Stock Route. A handful of the Maketi Ples exhibitors viewed this ground breaking exhibition which added another level of inspiration to their experiences that day.

sat 25 feb artists talks and demonstration day

On Saturday 25th February the artist’s talks and demonstrations was held from 1pm to 4pm. It was a fascinating experience to listen to the creators explaining their inspiration for certain artworks on display in Maketi Ples, what inspires them to continue with their art practise as well as their concerns for their contemporary art practise and access to resources and commercial opportunities.

A common concern was the rapid decline in the availability of their traditional resources from their local environment and the destruction of the environment both in the sea and on the land.

Short videos of the individual artists talking about their art practise is available on the Maketi Ples website www.maketiples.com

Artists who spoke about their work were:

• Tessa Miller

• John Maileseni

• Vola Tuaimeiuta

• Laben Sakale John

• Florence Jaukae Kamel

fri 9 Mar ifC’s diversity & inclusion Month: discovering the rich diversity of the pacific through the arts

To celebrate Diversity and Inclusion Month in March, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Sydney office hosted a cocktail reception for staff and partners at Maketi Ples.

During the evening event, Jeffry Feeger and Laben Sakale painted while Florence Kamel and John Maileseni displayed their weaving skills with their respective fibre. It was a new experience for many attendees to watch a painting take form and be completed in 3 hours; there were a few visitors to the gallery who were glued to the spot.

There were over 70 guests who were encouraged by Mr Gavin Murray to purchase the art work and once everyone was comfortable, the sales desk was busy.

The IFC Sydney office purchased the live painting, “The Sydney Experience” by Laben Sakale and now hangs in their Martin Place office.

1. Jeffry Feeger, live painting session. IFC event.2. Pohnpei Elder, Yvonne Neth.

1. 2.

3.

4.

3. Bilum wear, IFC event.4. Gavin Murray, IFC Pacific Regional Manager

addresses the crowd.

“Through this event we want to acknowledge the many faces of the Pacific, while also supporting the artists in bringing their works a long way from their islands to a new market in Australia – a difficulty shared by all entrepreneurs across the region.”

-Gavin Murray, IFC Regional Manager for the Pacific.

“... I’m not going to say much because the art speaks for itself however there is one thing that I would ask you to do tonight – as you view the works, think about the fact that behind every piece of work you see in Maketi Ples, there is a creator who has invested in their art practise (sometimes over many decades) to produce original works of art. Also consider that behind each creator, is a family or a community that benefits, directly or indirectly, from the income derived from this investment.

In the Pacific, culture is not a thing of the past; Pacific communities are born into it, it is a birthright. Culture is a constant, innovative, evolving process. Maketi Ples is the only regional exhibition that provides the commercial platform for cultural conversations between the artist and the viewer – the conversation could be with each other, with you or with a range of others but it is their creative voice; by purchasing artwork at Maketi Ples, you are telling the artist that you understand and appreciate what they have to say.

Maketi Ples cuts across a number of sectors – culture, environment, small business, education, community to mention a few; Regional events such as Maketi Ples also create new networks to increase the trade and collaborative work between Pacific Island countries including Australia...”

Welcome to Maketi Ples 2012 – Opening address, Ruth Choulai Creative Arts Manager.

Maketi ples - outCoMes

Due to the multi-level objectives of Maketi Ples, the outcomes are many and varied. We present just a few of the outcomes here:

ConneCtions

Several quality connections were made through Maketi Ples which will be followed up on behalf of the exhibitors of this year’s exhibition. The Creative Arts Manager will facilitate the engagement of interested commercial, individual and public institutions with the artists in the region to ensure that each opportunity is maximised.

Significant conversations were established between artists, PT&I staff and the following organisations throughout the exhibition period:

• Pure & General – niche product retailer, Sydney

• Sculptures by the Sea – Oceanic category

• Ray Hughes Gallery & Tivaevae – private collector

• Oceanic Art Society – art appreciation organisation (private members)

• Australian Museum – Dion Pieta, Pacific Collections

• Macleay Museum – Jude Philip, Senior Curator

• Art Gallery of NSW – Natalie Wilson, assistant curator of Australian art

• Casula Powerhouse – Leo Tanoi, Creative Producer Pacific Programs

In 2012, further progress was made in progressing engagement and interest in Maketi Ples with PIC government agencies, in particular, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Tonga Trade and the National Cultural Commission PNG supported their creators by sponsoring their attendance for the duration of their visit to Maketi Ples.

An officer from the following organisations, Tonga Trade, Investment Promotion Authority PNG, the National Cultural Commission and PT&I Auckland attended the installation and opening of Maketi Ples and subsequent events. They have since returned to their organisations with a personal and professional understanding of the processes of Maketi Ples; they witnessed the multiple opportunities that Maketi Ples provides to the creative arts sector. Strategies have been discussed between the implementing officers and the Creative Arts Manager on the pathway to Maketi Ples 2013.

lessons learnt

As expected, the distribution of sales made throughout the exhibition period, strongly confirms that the strongest selling days are Opening Night and weekends.

The most popular art forms purchased during the exhibition period were the intricate bone carvings by Vola Tuaimeiuta, hand woven baskets from Tonga, PNG and the Solomon Islands, the ever popular Bilum bags (in both natural and synthetic fibre) and a selection of paintings and line drawings. Tapa cloth from PNG’s Oro Province drew a lot of admiration for their simple but dramatic lines. Annie’s Pottery PNG drew a lot of inquiries for a particular product (we could have sold the same piece 5 times). Tessa Miller and Kay George sold consistently throughout the exhibition period. Yvonne Neth sold her first artwork prior to the opening of the Maketi Ples.

sales and opportunities

retail sales - Maketi ples, global gallery $20, 332

post exhibition sales $ 5,370

• Australian Museum

• Gallery of Modern Art QLD

• Individual purchases

Commissions

• Papua New Guinea Bilum Weavers of Goroka

• Solomon Islands Ralph Ako

• Tonga Vola Tuaimeiuta

opportunities

• Fiji Namana Arts - Commercial Supplier

• Papua New Guinea Laben Sakale – Joint Sydney Art Exhibition October

Bilum Weavers of Goroka- Commercial Supplier

Florence Jaukae Kamel- Commercial Supplier

• Tonga Vola Tuaimeiuta – Commercial supplier

Tapa cloth exhibited by Agnes Posanai, PNG. Natural dye, traditional fibre.

Australian Museum Pacific Collections Acquisitions 2011 & 2012

In 2011, the Australian Museum acquired works of art from Maketi Ples and it was fortunate that the creators were amongst the 2012 visiting group; they were able to see their creations held in stores alongside ancestral items. It was a moving experience that brought out heightened emotions of all who were able to witness the interaction of the creator and their creation within the context of the historical importance of the Pacific Collection.

This year, two significant art works exhibited in Maketi Ples were acquired by the Australian Museum. The Kato Alu Tohu (2) created by Tongan master weaver, John Maileseni. This is the second basket created by John to be acquired by the Australian Museum: John’s exhibit in 2011 (3) was acquired by the Australian Museum. The other acquisition was also from the Kingdom of Tonga, the “Family Unit” bone carving by Vola Tuaimeiuta (1) – the design is the creators innovation and is placed within the context of the Tongan family unit structure. The 2012 acquisition by the Australian Museum is consistent with the recent donation of a large private Tongan collection.

1. 2.

Maketi ples - proMotion strategy

In 2012, the Public Relations strategy was devised and delivered in conjunction with Trish Nicol Agency. Advertisement of Maketi Ples 2012 appeared in the two major Sydney daily newspapers with the artist’s talks and demonstration day promoted in the art section on Saturday 25th February.

A region wide “Call Out for Expressions of Interest” was sent to all contacts in the PT&I CRM database (both in Australia and the region) to obtain the widest spread possible. Printed invitations to the opening of Maketi Ples were sent to specific targeted groups which included art appreciation organisations, commercial art galleries, curators of public institutions, art educators, commercial retailers of niche products, Global Gallery subscribers, partners and friends of the PT&I.

A dedicated website was established www.maketiples.com and the Facebook page Maketi Ples was updated with a program of events, images and alerts. Updates will continue throughout 2012 in the lead up to Maketi Ples 2013.

In regional placements, the Post Courier and the National (PNG newspapers) carried an article in the business section. A major regional online magazine, Spasifik magazine also ran an article in their April edition and Islands Business online carried an editorial on the creative sector in the region and referenced Maketi Ples as a major initiative.

The PT&I weekly update, Pacific Periscope reviewed the opening night of Maketi Ples.

Radio Australia’s Isabelle Genoux interviewed exhibitors, Yvonne Neth (FSM) and Creative Arts Manager, Ruth Choulai on her program, “In the Loop” just prior to the opening of Maketi Ples. Florence Kamel, Laben Sakale and Jeffry Feeger were interviewed by Radio Australia’s Tok-Pisin radio programs over the three week period. Radio Australia is broadcast throughout the Pacific Islands region.

3.

In September 2009, the inaugural Bilum Festival was held in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. Florence Jaukae Kamel (festival initiator and coordinator) invited PT&I Sydney and Auckland to participate in the festival as international judges for the Bilum bag and garment competition.

From this initial engagement with Florence and the bilum weavers from the Madang coast to the newly created Jiwaka Province, we have witnessed and facilitated the ever widening commercial interest in bilum as a traditional textile.

In 2011, Florence represented herself (as a bilumwear creator) and her group of bilum weavers at the inaugural Maketi Ples. In addition to the exhibition sales of their spectacular bilums at Maketi Ples, the bilum weaving group secured a 10 x 3 meter commission issued by Happy Talk for Art & About Sydney.

Two bilum wear garments created by Florence Jaukae Kamel were acquired by the Australian Museum for inclusion in the Pacific Collection. The re-presentation of the bilum designs and the creation stories were considered ground-breaking and were a ‘must have’ for the oldest collecting public institution in Australia.

The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA QLD) in Brisbane sought the bilum work of Florence; through Maketi Ples, GOMA QLD acquired the garment that inspired the Happy Talk project commission, “Kalibobo” woven in the palette of sunset colours.

In September 2011, Alistair Trung met with Florence and the Bilum Weavers in Goroka, PNG. The mutual respect for each other’s skills and knowledge was instant and is ongoing.

In 2012, the story of bilum continues with another successful appearance at Maketi Ples. The bilum weavers through the leadership of Florence Jaukae Kamel have secured another significant commission for a 3 x 5 metre piece woven in natural fibre by a private collector, have engaged in conversation with an Australian company who has expressed commercial interest in the creation of bespoke Bilums as well as discussing the supply of bilum to a high end niche retailer in Sydney.

GOMA QLD has just completed an acquisition of their second garment from Florence Jaukae Kamel, the fibre artist.

1. ‘Skin Pik’ - Florence J. Kamel, acquired by GOMA QLD 20122. ‘Brown Malo’- Florence J. Kamel 2012. Private collection. (Natural Fibre)3. ‘Simba’ - Florence J. Kamel 2012. Natural Fibre and natural dye. Private Collection.4. Bilum Bag, Madang Province PNG - traditional form, imported dye.

Bilum – the journey, so far ...

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. ‘Kalibobo’ design in sunset colours - Florence J. Kamel. Goma QLD Collection 2011.

2. Happy Talk House in Sandringham Gardens, Hyde Park. Cover inspired by Tivaevae (Cook Islands).

3. ‘Kalibobo’ 10x3 metre single sided bilum. Happy Talk Commission 2011. Created by Goroka Bilum Weavers Association.

1.

2.

happy talk - art & about sydney

Launched by Heidi Dokulil and Liane Rossler in 2011, Happy Talk is an initiative that brings people and ideas together through design projects, exhibitions, workshops, talks and publishing. Some of our projects start collaborations between diverse cultures and across generations, others are about rediscovering traditions and developing new skills and resourceful ways to make everyday things.

Liane Rossler is a central figure within Australia’s arts and design sector A passionate spokesperson and ambassador for key issues related to the creative industries and the environment. Liane is also well known as Dinosaur Designs’ co-founder and former designer and director for 25 years.

Heidi Dokulil is a former editor of Monument magazine, co-founder of The Parcel Group, the creative entrepreneurship program Springboard

and the Australian Design Unit. Heidi is involved in a broad sweep of design industry activities from writing, publishing, creative direction and curating, to cross-cultural exchange that connects people and ideas at a grassroots level.

Central to the Happy Talk project is the collaboration with Pacific artists. Happy Talk worked with Mereana Taruia and local Cook Islands artists to design the building’s huge floral tarpaulin that is inspired by traditional Tivaivai. While inside the house Papua New Guinean artist Florence Kamel and ten weavers from Goroka created a ten-metre long Bilum artwork that bursts with colour and is a bold, contemporary approach to a centuries-old technique.

Source : http://happytalk.net.au/about-happy-talk/

Accessed : 10 May 2012

3.

ALISTAIR TRUNG, Fashion Label

Australian designer Alistair Trung could be described as the Zen monk of the local fashion industry. This philosophically minded artist/designer is far from your typical commercially driven couturier. He describes his designs as abstract and his style as ‘opulent minimalism’, employing simple cuts with an emphasis on fabric, texture and drapery. His inspiration comes from tribal and eastern cultures, where a single length of cloth can be folded and worn in myriad ways.

The simplicity of Trung’s designs focuses attention on the richness of his fabrics. “I love the pure meaning of the word cloth — I work with quite incredible fabrics.”

Alistair Trung and the Bilum weavers of Goroka are collaborating on a new commercial line of products labelled “Artisans for Alistair Trung”

Source : The ‘Wabi Sabi’ designer

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 | By: Victoria Hynes

http://artreview.com.au/contents/922625898-the-wabi-sabi-designer

accessed : 10 May 2012

bilum – the transition of the traditional twist and loop technique

The Bilum Festival is the only PNG cultural festival to celebrate the traditional skills of women – bilum weaving is predominantly the domain of women but utilised everyday by both genders. The traditional skill of sourcing and creating the fibre, the knowledge of traditional and natural dyes, the language of tribal designs (or mak mak), the twist and loop techniques and knots and other aspects of this practical but aesthetically creative art form are passed from generation to generation by active participation.

Bilum, the Tok Pisin word for string bag is an age old carry all created out of necessity – there is no record of when the ‘first’ bilum was created however there are creation stories (stori lon tubuna) about bilum and the creation story is as diverse as the myriad of cultures in PNG.

In the old days, female members of the family wove bilum incorporating a clan or tribal markings which indicated your tribal origin. Today, due to the population’s increasing mobility around the country as well as external trade influences, bilum weaving has creatively extended to include caps, structured handbags, clothing and wall hangings; tribal markings is no longer taken at face value .

The imported synthetic fibre has opened a whole new sphere of designs created by individuals or small groups of women weavers. As a readymade fibre with a wide colour palette, imported fibre has unleashed the opportunity to increase the income stream of many women living in urban and rural settings.

Alistair Trung and Goroka Bilum Weavers in PNG.

maketi ples 2012

Maketi Ples is the Pacific Islands Trade & Invest annual keystone event for the Creative Arts

program. Maketi Ples 2011 & 2012 was organised, managed and delivered by the Creative Arts

manager, Ruth Choulai. For further information about Maketi Ples (past or future events), please

contact Ruth Choulai :

Email: ruth.choulai@pacifictradeinvest.com Skype: ruth.choulai

www.pacifictradeinvest.com

11/171 Clarence St, Sydney NSW, Aust. 2000

+612 9290 2133

Cover image: Laben Sakale completing his live painting, ‘My Sydney Experience’ at IFC event, IFC Collection 2012.