FEEGER’S “SOVEREIGN VIBE” TELLS PNG STORY THROUGH ART
CAPTION: Jeffry Feeger speaking at his debut solo exhibition, “Sovereign Vibe: A Portrait of the Nation After Its First Fifty Years,” at the Sheraton Hotel in Port Moresby on Tuesday night.
BY LETHISA KOLOKOL
“ART is how we tell our stories when words aren’t enough”
That message came through strongly at Jeffry Feeger’s debut solo exhibition, “Sovereign Vibe: A Portrait of the Nation After Its First Fifty Years,” at the Sheraton Hotel in Port Moresby on Tuesday night.
The event was attended by Prime Minister James Marape, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Belden Namah, Minister for Bougainville Affairs Hon. Manasseh Makiba, and PNG’s Ambassador to Geneva, Her Excellency, Michelle Hau’ofa, among other dignitaries.
The exhibition, presented by Gatherings by Sheraton, is more than a display, it is a reflection on how Papua New Guineans see the world.
In a unique approach, 36 of the artworks on display were created at the hotel’s Monsoon Bar, with Sheraton staff as his subjects, painted within four-hour windows, capturing everyday Papua New Guineans.
In his remarks, Mr Feeger shared his story of resilience but mostly of a man who created art amidst chaos.
“This evening celebrates the sovereignty of how we see the world and for me this is just a little glimpse of what I was able to bear witness to,” Feeger said.
Feeger, who has been painting for 23 years, spoke about his early days living in East Taraka settlement, where the community embraced him, to tonight’s showcase.
“The entire show is about life, works, performance arts, the process of it all,” he said.
The highlight, “Hela II,” was sold for K46,000 at a live auction during the event.
Meanwhile, Minister Namah announced a K250,000 support for Feeger, acknowledging the role of art in preserving culture and creating livelihoods.
For many young artists in Papua New Guinea, Feeger’s journey from settlement to Sheraton lobby represents hope, that art in Papua New Guinea can create real opportunity.
