Coconuts & Kurrajongs
Abstract Faces
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Abstract Faces (2007)
Martin Morobubuna
Acrylic on Canvas 85 x 100
The works of Martin Morobubuna can be seen hanging on walls the world over. Martin joined the Centre for Creative Arts in the mid 1970’s. At 17 years old he was the youngest to do so and was to become one of the elder statesmen of contemporary art in PNG and remains in much demand.
Like many Papua New Guinean artists Martin’s style, vision and themes are drawn from his cultural heritage but also his experiences with urbanisation and development. Many of his works depict the stories and images of everyday life in the Trobriand Islands while others are drawn from more urban themes. Martin is a talented and versatile artist who has worked across several mediums including printmaking, painting, drawing and low relief wood carving. He has exhibited in Europe and Australasia and if you are lucky you can find him showing his works around the local Moresby craft markets on a Saturday morning.
Martin has several pieces displayed in the National Gallery of Australia and has held numerous exhibitions in Australia.
Martin passed away suddenly in 2013.
Kava
The Kava Story…..well at least a small part of it!
Kava (piper methysticum) is a shrub that grows across the Pacific region. Noble kava has been cultivated by Pacific people of hundreds of years to possess higher levels of the beneficial kavalactones, the chemical compounds naturally found in kava plants responsible for most of the desirable effects of kava and only trace amounts (low enough to avoid toxicity) of flavokavains, which are harmful to liver and bladder health. Clever eh?!
It is non-alcoholic, non-opioid, and non-hallucinogenic.
Kava plays a central role in the social and ceremonial lives of many Pacific islanders and has done so for hundreds of years. Kava preparation traditionally includes grinding, grating or pounding the roots of the plant and then infusing with water. Kava drinkers appreciate the pleasant, warm, cheerful and relaxed feeling it provides.
Learn how to prepare Kava here.
Early research indicates that kava may be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Kava has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce stress-related sleep disruptions. Research has shown the kava can improve and stabilize mood. Research has shown that kava may be an effective nootropic, as it has been found to possess some cognitive-enhancing traits.
These are exciting days for kava growers in the Pacific and for kava drinkers in Australia. We’re proud to be part of it as a way of building stronger and enduring connections between Australia and the Pacific.
Read more:
Australia’s kava pilot – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Industry Focus: kava the green gold of the Pacific – Pacific Trade Invest
De-mythologising and re-branding kava as the new “world drug’ of choice - S Apo Aporosa
Kava anxiety treatment - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Kava: The Pacific Drug - Vincent Lebot, Lamont Lindstrom, & Mark Merlin