By STEPHANIE TOMORINA

Multi-talented and creative, Daru Mako a third year Art and Design student at the University of PNG aims to preserve and promote the nation's diverse cultures through his art work.
Daru Mako 20, from Kamate village in Lufa, Eastern Highlands province recently completed artwork for his major assessment based on the theme 'PNG Traditional Costumes.'
His artworks included drawings, print-making, 3-dimensional art and paintings.
Daru's art influencer and Fine Arts lecturer Venantius Gadd says his artwork is generally abstract and post impression.

Mr Gadd says the abstract and post impression art styles or techniques are often used by
masters of art such as Vincent Vangough and Henry Matesse, two French artists.
Many of Daru's artwork and collective ideas are based on traditional costumes from different parts of PNG.
Amongst his collection is a painting titled 'Bougainville Reborn.' based on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The painting was boosted by the following event; Rebirth of the Autonomous Bougainville.
The painting titled 'Huli man' portrays PNG's colourful culture (traditional costumes). However, the background impression of the flames depicts the current state of our culture which is; today it is so colourful and unique that it attracts many tourists and visitors into PNG.
But the rising and fading smokes symbolizes that our culture is fading away slowly hence, will totally disappear in the near future.
A drawing from the Momase Region titled 'Mangi Morobe.' portrays the rich traditional and captures the traditional performance (dancing with kundu drums).

Government - handing of powers to the Autonomous Government from the National Government and the reconciliation between the locals (BRA) and the PNG Defence Force.
The painting is of speaker for the Autonomous Government, Ms. Francisca Semoso (MBE) during the signing of the new Bougainville Autonomous Government in 2005.
Ms Francisca Semoso was dressed in traditional costume. Daru added extra information
to the artwork by using the paint dripping technique.
He says, the paint dripping technique symbolizes that, 'Out of tears and bloodshed,
peace was born.' He said the painting will be properly framed and sold to the Bougainville Government as part of his fund-raising for his major art exhibitions next year in Mt. Hagen, Goroka and Lae.
Daru also stressed that the theme of this painting is not to promote the Autonomous Region of Bougainville but to promote their unique traditional costumes.
'Bougainville Reborn' and other similar artworks such as the 'Kups Kekeni' and the 'Huli man' paintings reflect cultures from the Islands Region (Bougainville), Southern Region (Central), and the Highlands region respectively.
The painting titled 'Kups Kekeni' portrays the current state of our traditions and culture against the foreign or Western influence. The background impressions going in different directions.
Daru will be exhibiting his artworks with fellow art student Jeffrey Tende from Mt. Hagen.
They have been fund-raising for the exhibitions but are also appealing to fellow citizens and other business organizations for assistance.
Daru can be contacted on ph/mob: 697 4187 / 7211 2862 or e-mail: 20050244@studmail.upng.ac.pg

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