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

KASTOM I live in a world in which self‑gratification is considered to be of supreme importance — but I’m challenged by the fact that I belong to a community. I belong as much to them as they do to me. This community includes my ancestors, who continue to support me even now. The people who have gone before me live in me, but they live in those around me, too, and it’s my responsibility to recognize and strengthen these connections. Building bridges is my homage to my ancestors. MICHAEL MEL Quoted in Dan Lepsoe, ‘An interview with Michael Mel’, in Pamela Rosi (ed.), Hailans to Ailans: Contemporary Art of Papua New Guinea [exhibition catalogue], Alcheringa Gallery, Victoria, British Columbia, and Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, London, 2009, p.63.