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The Spurlock Museum is hosting an exhibition of the arts of several regions of Papua New Guinea. photo by Paul Habeeb

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Address: 600 S. Gregory St. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-2360
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Spurlock Museum is currently featuring a new exhibit called the “The Transforming Arts of Papua New Guinea,” which displays a collection of art and artifacts that depict and chronicle the evolution of artistic, political, social and economic developments occurring in Papua New Guinea.

The exhibit showcases different aspects of New Guinean culture through various art forms, ranging from traditional to contemporary pieces. Most of the artifacts are from the Sepik River Basin region, but a number of other pieces come from differing regions, such as the Highlands, the Huon Gulf and the capital city of Port Moresby.

The exhibit begins with artifacts that explain New Guinean history and tradition. Items such as clothing, intricately painted masks and carved wooden statues give the viewer a glimpse of traditional art forms. As village communities begin to migrate to urban settings, art has been vital in preserving New Guinea’s culture and tradition. There is also a multimedia presentation that allows viewers to listen to music, view digital galleries of various landscapes and communities, and to hear folktales from New Guinea. One will notice the large wooden carving displayed in the middle of the exhibit; a wooden storyboard is the main piece of traditional art in the exhibit. It is used in New Guinean culture to express the values of village and clan identity. The storyboard depicts village culture and the parts that make up a village. Much of the contemporary art from New Guinea is inspired by traditional art such as this.

A New Guinean contemporary art piece is also displayed in the exhibit. A piece by John Siure, a New Guinean artist, titled “Envisioning Change,” is a commentary on the differences in lifestyle and opportunity that exist in New Guinea. Siure’s piece primarily critiques the inequalities that exist in a new nation as the painting depicts an airplane flying over native people. This piece captures a critical reflection on the transformations that have been made in New Guinea over the past half-century and how technology has benefited as well as disadvantaged people and communities.

“The Transforming Arts of Papua New Guinea” will be featured at Spurlock Museum until Jan. 31, 2010.