In the book 'Masterpieces Of Primitive Art' 1961 Nelson A. Rockefeller said in the introduction "Much of so-called primitive art was created as a direct response to strong feelings"
This webpage has been created in much the same way. I come to share my collection acknowledging that I must thank many others for their help and for sharing their 'strong feelings' and charging my own.
Firstly the other collectors who helped develop my passion and continue to do so. The members of The Oceanic Art Society in Sydney for the meetings and discussions and sharing of talks with impassioned supporter of Oceanic Art.
John who helped me develop the webpage and who has now branched out as a freelance webdesigner. (contact me if you need a designer and I will email his contact details) The artist owners in Papua New Guinea especially. Truly Oceanic Art is the Sky as Andre Breton stated.
I share my collection and as an educator feel passionate about helping others develop an understanding and appreciation for this art form. My collection is available for use by Universities and Institutions for exhibit as an art form and as a tool to educate.
I have always been interested in art and have a family history with strong links to British Contemporary Art Movement through the McGeary Galleries in Brussels.
On moving to Australia I fell in love with Pacific Art and more specifically New Guinea/Melanesian Art.
I hope that this webpage will charge and stimulate your passion for Papuan New Guinean Art.
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| Field Photos of Western Highland fighting shields |
The other reasons for creating this webpage are more selfish. I would like to stimulate debate among people who know more about the artefacts in my collection than I do. I would love to be emailed from academics or previous owners who perhaps collected items in the field. The owner /artists themselves in PNG or even just people who have lived in PNG and have an interesting story to tell.. Anyone in fact that can help enhance the cataloguing of the collection.
Anyone interested in the collection should also join the OCEANIC ARTS SOCIETY based in Sydney but who have a great newsletter. I am a member and it has certainly helped me develop a better understanding of art forms from this area and share a passion with like minded people. I am happy to supply details to anyone who wants them or Google OAS .
The collection is NOT FOR SALE.
Lastly I am a collector who is continually collecting. I have new objects that I will be putting on the page at some stage so keep checking. I am always looking to buy artefacts especially shields. I would love to develop a better library and so would love books especially those that have illustrations of shields and old auction catalogues from all the auction houses but especially those of Sothebys and Christies. I hope you love the collection as much as I do.