No.1 Neighbour: Art in Papua New Guinea 1956-2016

25 INTRODUCTION №1 NEIGHBOUR artists, but also secured their authority to explore new ways of engaging with the sacred form of the koromb. 21 Martin Fowler and I undertook two trips to the villages of Apengai and Tongwinjamb and artists from Abelam and Kwoma travelled to Brisbane for extended periods to create work, engage with Gallery staff and participate in APT7 opening weekend celebrations. 22 These trips allowed extended conversations, and developed trust and understanding crucial for the artists to achieve the ambitious task assigned them. 23 Installed at the entrance to ‘No.1 Neighbour’, the Kwoma koromb acknowledges the Kwoma-inspired ceiling of Parliament House in Port Moresby, and the very real parliamentary legacy of the Westminster system via an Australian administration. More significantly, the work symbolises the importance of strong relationships. Through image and carving, the Nelson Makamoi with painted ceiling panels for Kwoma Arts’ Koromb (Spirit house) 2012, Sepik Workshop, Brisbane, February 2012 / Photograph: Mark Sherwood