BIKPLA BALUS, PNG'S JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN
COUNTRYSIDE Many art lovers will know the name Mathias Kauage. Hail from Miugi in the Simbu Province; he produced hundreds of abstract paintings that depicted the changes in our country. Focusing largely on social changes, his works would normally feature a carving like figure immersed into adapting to the changes before them. One of his celebrated works resides in the headquarters of one of PNG’s iconic landmarks, Brian Bell Plaza Boroko. The name of the piece is Bikpela Balus. A rich turquoise blue covers the outer part where it depicts the open skies while towards the center of this masterpiece, a colourful Douglas DC 3 Aircraft is packed with carving like figures, obviously passengers onboard this flight. Expressions of optimism and fear are apparent, but one does senses a general emotion of anxiety. Perhaps it’s to do with defying gravity, the cramp interior of the plane but I sense it is what lies at the end of the trip. That is indeed is the great mystery. For 35 years,