Liklik Luk Save Art Show

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Works by seven PNG artists were well received at the Liklik Luk Save Art Show in Auckland last year.

FOR three weeks last year, Auckland hosted the first Liklik Luk Save Art Show at The Aesthete Gallery.
A smaller version of the national art show Luk Save, held every September at the Royal Papua Yacht Club, Liklik Luk Save brought seven PNG artists’ work, on invitation, to the heart of New Zealand’s fine art trade with a very genuine and warm welcome.
Pierre Peeters, owner of Aesthete Gallery, has built a reputation over many years for identifying and promoting New Zealand’s up and coming contemporary artists.
He is renowned for embracing challenging and vibrant work and connecting artists with key private collectors and the general public. 
His invitation to Papua New Guinea’s finest was in keeping with his bold and determined approach to take the best of contemporary art to a wider audience.
This was Mr Peeters first event showcasing this market and said: “For a country that has had limited exposure to the art world, they have a lot to offer and it is worthy of being exhibited in high-end international art centers.
“I am pleased to see New Zealand’s private individual collectors embrace the art from our Pacific Rim cousins.”
Gigmai Kundun’s stunning sculpture work that graces our capital city was represented with artists Tom Deko, Martin Morubabuna, Alexander Mebri, Ratoos Haoapa Gary and the late Heso Kiwi.
Two large canvasses from the late Philip Yobale collection were also featured.
The work and the event were very well received both critically and commercially.
Giles Peterson, curator and lecturer in Pacific Art and Design at the Whitecliffe College of Art & Design in Auckland, opened the show, saying: “As someone who is familiar with contemporary PNG art I am blown away by the quality of work here today.”
He went on to say: “This exhibition has stood its ground on an international basis and it is very exciting and refreshing to see such an exhibition in New Zealand.” 
The show experienced good attendance and strong sales.
 The key piece in demand turned out to be a substantial canvas from Ratoos Haoapa Gary, ‘Lo Moro’ with Gickmai Kundun and Alexander Mebri also selling on opening night.
In total over half of the work presented was sold and, possibly most importantly, the work has gone to established relationship with private collectors in New Zealand.
This is particularly significant for our artists as it  opens the international market for their work, bringing much-needed financial support and recognition to their profession.
The Aesthete Gallery has consolidated their commitment to the PNG fine art community by inviting Liklik Luk Save back this year and is currently working with the PNG-based curator Amanda Adams of Luk Save to present a broader experience for 2011.