Context (CMS Context)
(Bio) Kauage (c. 1944-2003) was born in Chimbu Province in the Papua New Guinea highlands. In the late 1960s he was employed as a labourer in Port Moresby and was inspired by an exhibition of drawings by a fellow-Highlander, Timothy Akis. Like Akis, he was encouraged and supported by Georgina Beier. Together with her husband Ulli, Georgina influentially fostered contemporary art, theatre, and literature in Nigeria and Papua New Guinea.

Kauage's work evolved rapidly. Early on he drew fantastic creatures inspired by Chimbu myth, but soon progressed to scenes of Moresby town life and political events. Embracing colour, he went on to produce major paintings around Papua New Guinea's Independence in 1975, aspects of colonial history, and his own experience - not least his meeting with the Queen, who awarded him an OBE in 1998. His later works were often signed 'Kauage - Artist of PNG'.


Acquired by the donor's parents Betty and Cyril Rogers during their time in Papua New Guinea, 1978- 1985. Betty taught at the National Art School, part of the University New Guinea in Port Moresby, whilst Cyril worked in educational policy for the government and was later director of National Gallery in Zimbabwe. Purchased with assistance of the Art Fund and the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Fund.

Event Date 22/6/2011
Author: maa

Description (CMS Description)
Print by Mathias Kauage, titled 'Man draivim tripela memba bilong' [Man driving three Highlands members of parliament].
Event Date 22/6/2011
Author: maa