From Mariwai to New York: Kwoma Ceiling Unites Papua New Guinea Artists and the MET Museum in New York
The redisplay of the Ceremonial House Ceiling in one of the Oceanic art galleries in The Met’s renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. photo by Maya Pontone for Hyperallergic
Kwoma Ceiling Unites Papua New Guinea Artists and the MET Museum in New York
The Mariwai Project initiated the participation of East Sepik artists in the historic reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing (galleries for the Arts of Africa, the Ancient Americas, and Oceania) at The Met, from May 29–31, 2025. At the heart of this celebrated collection is the iconic Kwoma Ceiling, a monumental contemporary artwork that powerfully expresses the cultural heritage and artistic mastery of the Kwoma people from Mariwai Village, East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea.
The new installation in The Met’s galleries foregrounds respectful collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared authorship between Kwoma source community and The Met. Guided by The Met, overseen by Māori (Ngai Tai) curator, Dr Maia Nuku (John A. Friede and A. J. Hall Curator for the Arts of Oceania), in collaboration with The Mariwai Project, this extends the original vision of Met curator Douglas Newton who originally commissioned the Ceiling in 1971-3.
Alongside the Kwoma Ceiling an in-gallery film created by The Met’s digital team with The Mariwai Project, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the ceiling’s artistic legacy and the vibrant traditions of the region. The expanded galleries feature around 80 other artworks and objects from PNG alongside pieces from across the Pacific next to the galleries of the Ancient Americas and Africa.
Art in PNG is more than expression it is spiritual. These pieces are not just objects. They are living connections to our past and our people’s inner life.
Shiva Lynn Burgos, Post Courier May 2025 Artist, The Mariwai Project Founder Special Envoy for Papua New Guinea on Art
Photo by Manny Crisostomo
Photo by the Mariwai Project
Photo by the Mariwai Project
Photo by the Mariwai Project
Our art is a vibrant representation of our history, diversity, and identity, and it deserves recognition on a global stage.
Shiva, Mathew, and Tobi beneath the Kwoma ceiling — a moment of deep connection and atonement linking the spirit house in New York to its roots in Mariwai. (photos by: Charmoli Ciarmoli)
Before dawn broke over the public reopening ceremony, a private and deeply sacred ritual quietly unfolded—led by Chief Mathew Kuarchinj. Together with Chairman Tobi Borungai and Shiva Lynn Burgos they wore the traditional white paint of grief and mourning for a haus cri . In silence they gazed in reverence at the hand work of the forefathers and remebered them and the ancestors who cam before them. This was no mere formality; it was a powerful act of spiritual atonement and reconciliation—not a Western reckoning of wrongdoing, but a sacred healing of the rupture caused when the ceiling was taken from its home. Through this ritual, an invisible yet unbreakable bond was woven between The Met’s Kwoma Ceiling and the ancestral Spirit House in Mariwai village, Papua New Guinea. In that moment, The Met was consecrated as family, its visitors welcomed as honored guests within the living cultural fabric of the Kwoma people.
This ritual reflects an Indigenous worldview that sees art and heritage as living, sacred presences—relational and entwined with identity. The museum itself is transformed into a living spirit house, a shared home where ancestral voices speak and cultural dialogue flourishes. It marks a new chapter in museum practice: one of humility, respect, reciprocity, and shared stewardship.
A homecoming and blessing, it bridges continents—knitting New York and Mariwai in a sacred family bond. These works carry the heartbeat of ancestors—alive, breathing, watching.
Dawn Ceremony and Traditional Gift Exchange
The day started at dawn on the sweeping steps on Fith Avenue with the gathering of Oceanic delegates from Papua New Guinea, Aotearoa New Zealand, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Rotuma, Tahiti and Australia. Invited into the museum by representatives from the Seneca and Towanda Seneca Nations with their traditional gate opening cry the group progressed through the the grandeur of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s hallowed halls in a remarkable procession and gathered under the Kwoma Ceiling where dignitaries from the Museum and the City of New York greeted them. This was a moment of profound cultural reconnection and global reverence which then unfolded with a traditional gift exchange ceremony between the Oceanic delegates and the Museum officials which included MET Director Max Hollein, Alisa LaGamma, Dr Maia Nuku and Mary Rockefeller Morgan.
Procession
Chief Mathew Kuarchinj, Dr. Michael Mel, Tobi Borungai and Shiva Lynn Burgos
Chief Mathew Kuarchinj, Tobi Borungai and Shiva Lynn Burgos present their gifts
The ceremony, imbued with the vibrant presence of the Papua New Guinean delegation led by Dr. Michael Mel from the University of PNG pulsated with an electric sense of living history. The PNG delegation comprised of representatives from the Massim Museum and Cultural Centre in Alotau, Milne Bay Province and Mariwai Village, East Sepik Province
The Mariwai delegation was represented by Chief Mathew Kuarchinj and Tobi Borungai, Chairman of the Mariwai Culture Group, both sons of original ceiling artists and The Mariwai Project founder Shiva Lynn Burgos. Together they joined The Met’s international gathering of cultural leaders from across the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas to mark the reopening of the galleries from May 29–31.
Honoring Ancestral Legacy and Living Tradition
The Kwoma Ceiling is, in every sense, a living artwork—a dynamic fusion of spiritual energy, ancestral knowledge, and artistic mastery that challenges the stillness typically expected in museum contexts. As ARTnews described: “The galleries’ central ceremonial house ceiling, commissioned by Kwoma artists in Mariwai, Papua New Guinea, and produced between 1970 and 1973, returns; the many paintings on its sago palm sheets look just as exquisite as they had for decades. But the ceiling has been altered: descendants of the painters worked closely with the Met to reconfigure the sheets, so that the ceiling’s composition now better reflects the intentions of its original makers.”
Once in New York, Mathew and Tobi joined the rest of the Papua New Guinea delegation in a series of profound exchanges—with fellow delegates, museum professionals, and members of the public—sharing knowledge, ceremony, and lived experience across cultures.
With Yolngu delegation from Australia
With Prof. Steven Hooper from the Sainsbury Research Unit
With Peter G. Jemison from the Heron Clan of the Seneca Nation
Delegates from Africa, Ancient Americas and Oceania at The Met on press day
A Sacred Renaissance
The Kwoma Ceiling evokes the essence of a korumb (spirit house), a sacred structure central to Kwoma communal life. These monumental buildings serve as both spiritual and civic hubs. They host cycles of male initiation rituals, harvest ceremonies, and ancestral veneration while functioning as a local parliament where men debate village affairs, resolve disputes, and transmit cultural knowledge.
For generations, the Kwoma have constructed these open-ended structures with steeply pitched roofs. Every post and beam is carved and decorated making the whole building a sculpture and their interiors are adorned with clan-specific motifs that map mythological relationships and social hierarchies This architectural tradition has profoundly influenced Sepik River iconography and modern PNG governance structures, including the national parliament building in Port Moresby, which echoes the korumb’s role as a center for decision-making and celebration.
Kwoma culture has been undergoing a renaissance. A new spirit house in Mariwai called Tokimba was inaugurated in 2016 with a five days and nights ceremony lead by Mathew Kuarchinj. It is seen as a ‘sister’ house to the Kwoma Ceiling in New York. Tokimba is the largest building in the village and the centre of a cycle of ceremonies celebrating harvest and fertility.
Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future
In honour of this collaboration, The Metropolitan Museum is welcomed as part of Wan Bel: a PNG Collective Global Exhibition—recognised in Papua New Guinea’s official 50th anniversary national program, Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future—alongside leading institutions worldwide that safeguard and engage with PNG arts. Wan Bel is part of a range of new international art and culture projects for the Golden Jubilee year including the planned participation of PNG first National in the Venice Biennale in May 2026.
members of the PNG Delegation Chief Mathew Kuarchinj, Tobi Borungai, Shiva Lynn Burgos, Lazarus Modedaya, Fidelma Saevaru, Dr. Michael Mel
“This is the second major engagement under the Mariwai Project. Our participation in the reopening of one of the world’s most respected cultural institutions is significant for Papua New Guinea. We’re not just sending artifacts we’re sharing the heartbeat of our identity.”
Steven Enomb Kilanda MBE, National Cultural Commission(NCC) Executive Director Post Courier, May 23, 2025
A Cultural Reawakening: Legacy on a Global Stage
As the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing reawakens, it invites the world to engage deeply with these ancestral arts—now presented as vibrant, evolving expressions of living culture. This architectural vision not only honors Kwoma traditions, but also frames the reopening within a broader moment of national significance. This milestone has become a powerful catalyst for reflection and cultural affirmation, positioning Papua New Guinea’s heritage at the center of a global conversation.
For Papua New Guinea, the reopening represents far more than a redesigned gallery—it is a landmark gesture of cultural diplomacy, forging connections that elevate Indigenous voices and creative legacies beyond borders.
This powerful sense of national pride and global affirmation set the tone for what came next: a rare and deeply symbolic gathering of leaders, artists, and cultural stewards from around the world.
“Culture is not something we put away in museums it lives within us. What we do now ensures our future generations know where they come from and who they are.”
Dr. Michael Mel, Post Courier, May 2025
“Culture is not something we put away in museums it lives within us. What we do now ensures our future generations know where they come from and who they are.”
Dr. Michael Mel, Post Courier, May 2025
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From Mariwai to New York – Ambassadors Reception in Port Moresby
The Journey of Mathew, Tobi and Shiva started with a reception hosted by US Ambassador Yastishock in Port Moresby and attended by Prime Minster James Marape, diplomatic representatives from The United States, The United Kingdom, Korea, Japan, Commonwealth, United Nations alongside artists, arts and local industry leaders.
“Some things are not measured in volume, but the quality of its presence and this is one of them forever preserving PNG arts… to have an exhibition like this project in New York City, the capital of the world, for us is a big step to secure the family of humanity.”
– Honorable James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
Ambassador Anne Marie Yastishock, Chief Mathew Kuarchinj, Prime Minsiter James Marape, Tobi Borungai and Shiva Lynn Burgos
“I congratulate everyone involved in the Mariwai Project,” she said. “I’m honoured to be part of this journey and proud to see the United States and Papua New Guinea working together to promote and preserve cultural heritage.”
H.E. Anne Marie Yastishock, Ambassador of the United States of America to Papua New Guinea
Through exhibitions, digital platforms, and partnerships with institutions, PNG voices are brought back into the narratives ensuring cultural continuity for future generations placing cultural diplomacy and ancestral knowledge at the heart of national identity.
Acknowledgements: generous support from: The Felix Trust for Art, HELUX Foundation, Judelson Family Foundation, Itskovich Family (NY), PNG National Cultural Commission, Salome Pondangu Division of Culture & Arts Office and Ambunti Drekikier District Administrator.
Patronage Opportunities: Support The Mariwai Project’s 2025 Cultural Diplomacy Initiative at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and beyond
We invite you to join The Mariwai Project’s extraordinary cultural exchange by supporting the Kwoma Delegation’s journey from Mariwai in Papua New Guinea to New York for the opening of The Met’s newly reimagined galleries.
This momentous occasion will give our Kwoma community members the opportunity to experience the renowned Kwoma Ceiling—an iconic installation created by our fathers and ancestors—and to celebrate the living legacy of our culture within one of the world’s leading museums.
Gifts of any amount are graciously accepted for the Kwoma delegation’s budget and all donations will be acknowledged on our website. We welcome one-time and monthly donations through our secure, online platform. Scan the QR code to make a gift in U.S. Dollars to The Felix Trust for Art to benefit The Mariwai Project
The Mariwai Project’s involvement in Papua New Guinea during 2024 has been our most ambitious and impactful year yet! I am honoured to share that I have been appointed by the PNG Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as International Representative for Arts and Culture for the National Cultural Commission.
Highlights of our activities: The National Art Show, the Akis Prize, Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival in Ambunti, ESP. This year’s Sepik River Film Festival featured exciting new content from the Shane Ackeroyd Collection, and international guest curator Skinder Hundal of Shin Dō Creative, alongside homegrown films made in PNG.
In August we conducted extensive research and assessments on our network of spirit houses in the Kwoma region on the Sepik River. Through several events and exhibitions we worked with artists and institutions from grassroots levels to global leaders and government agencies. Together, we are elevating PNG arts and culture to a global platform, ensuring that the unique stories and talents of our communities are shared with the world.Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Ben Handelman, founder of LifeShip invited Shiva Lynn Burgos to the MOON! to curate a collection of her artworks produced in the 3rd largest rainforest on earth to compliment his pyramid, a record of earth in its diversity of arts, ideas and biodiversity. Portraits of the original inhabitants and her clan family, alongside 360VR leading edge technology filmmaking and more depict the ancestral ceremonies of remote East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea. As well, Shiva invited her Shin-Do co-founder, Skinder Hundal to participate in Shannon Mullen O’Keefe’s Museum of Ideas, also on board for its future millenia on the lunar surface. This historic mission will fly with LifeShip on the SpaceX Falcon 9, Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost mission. The launch is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 january 1:11 AM EST Florida time,16:11 in PNG pending weather and technical conditions. The mission includes several key stages: orbital flight, propulsion to the moon, moon orbit (approximately 16 days), and the anticipated landing on Mare Crisium, Moon, roughly five weeks after launch.
Why It Matters
This moon mission is not just a feat of technology but a testament to humanity’s imagination and creativity. It preserves and elevates the stories of Earth—its biodiversity, arts, and ideas—for future generations, while spotlighting the ancestral heritage of Papua New Guinea.
NASA’s Lunar Mission: Bridging Culture and Space
NASA’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, Firefly Aerospace’s first Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) flight, successfully launched on January 15, 2025, carrying scientific instruments and historic cultural payloads to the Moon. Supported by NASA’s Artemis campaign, the mission aims to enhance lunar research and pave the way for future human exploration. After a 45-day journey, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lander is set to touch down on March 2 in Mare Crisium, a vast lunar basin, where it will deploy technology demonstrations and collect critical data for future space missions.
Among the payloads aboard Blue Ghost is LifeShip’s Pyramid on the Moon, a cosmic time capsule preserving humanity’s stories, creativity, and biodiversity. This mission, made possible through global collaboration, includes the first lunar plant seed bank and a cultural archive filled with art, photos, and messages from people worldwide. Hundreds of thousands contributed to this effort, uniting across borders to send Earth’s legacy into space.
For Papua New Guinea, this mission holds deep cultural significance. The Mariwai Project, founded by artist Shiva Lynn Burgos, is among the cultural contributions aboard the spacecraft, honoring the indigenous communities of PNG’s East Sepik Province. Featuring portraits of the region’s original inhabitants and depictions of ancestral ceremonies, the project ensures that PNG’s rich artistic and spiritual traditions reach beyond Earth, marking a historic fusion of cultural heritage and space exploration. This unprecedented moment not only highlights PNG’s artistic legacy on a global stage but also reinforces the country’s role in shaping humanity’s future in the stars.
In preparation for landing, Blue Ghost recently completed its final orbit maneuver, performing a burn to enter a near-circular low lunar orbit. This critical step sets the stage for its descent orbit insertion on March 2, when the spacecraft will begin its controlled approach toward Mare Crisium. With payloads representing both scientific progress and cultural preservation, Blue Ghost is poised to leave a lasting impact on lunar exploration. Firefly Aerospace remains focused on delivering NASA’s experiments and The Mariwai Project safely to the lunar surface, supporting the Artemis program and paving the way for future commercial and artistic missions to the Moon.
Papua New Guinea Culture Lands Forever on the Moon
Mission Accomplished: PNG on the Moon
In a groundbreaking moment for Papua New Guinea, the nation’s cultural heritage has made its mark on the Moon as part of the historic LifeShip lunar mission which successfully landed on the Moon on Sunday 2 March at 18:34 PGT. As SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and the Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on January 15, it carried with it profound symbols of Papua New Guinea’s artistic traditions and ancestral wisdom. The LifeShip Pyramid on the Moon is a small, golden monument designed to celebrate, preserve, and continue the life and culture from Earth. The Pyramid contains a seed bank and a digital repository of life on earth. This interplanetary time capsule includes digital sounds, films and photographs from Papua New Guinea with a special focus on the artistic traditions of the Kwoma people of East Sepik Province. These records from The Mariwai Project are included in the mission which has been fully funded by LifeShip and NASA. The LifeShip “Pyramid on the Moon” mission is a unique opportunity for Papua New Guinea to preserve its diverse cultures on a cosmic stage.
Papua New Guinea’s Cultural Legacy Lands on the Moon with Blue Ghost Mission 1
March 2, 2025 – In a historic milestone, Papua New Guinea’s artistic and cultural heritage has touched down on the Moon as part of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1. The lander, which carried scientific instruments and cultural archives, successfully reached the Moon’s Mare Crisium, marking an unprecedented moment for PNG’s presence in space. Among the cultural treasures onboard are digital recordings of traditional Kwoma ceremonies and artistic processes, portraits of Sepik River peoples, and cultural knowledge and stories collected through ongoing research. These materials by artist Shiva Lynn Burgos and The Mariwai Project (TMP) now form part of an interplanetary time capsule, ensuring that these records of the rich traditions of PNG endure for generations to come.
“This moment is more than a technological achievement—it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural depth of the Papua New Guinea people,” said Burgos.
“For the first time, PNG’s artistic legacy has found a place beyond Earth, preserving centuries of oral traditions, visual storytelling, and traditional knowledge systems on the lunar surface.” The LifeShip Pyramid, a small golden monument included in the payload, represents a broader mission to preserve humanity’s cultural diversity in space. PNG’s contributions, centered on the artistic and ceremonial traditions of the Sepik region, now join this ambitious effort to safeguard human heritage beyond Earth. Firefly Aerospace’s successful landing is a milestone in commercial lunar exploration, marking the first U.S. lunar surface mission in over 50 years. While NASA’s scientific instruments will collect data from the lunar surface, PNG’s cultural archive stands as a powerful reminder that space is not just a frontier for science but also a canvas for human expression and history. As the world looks to the Moon for new scientific discoveries, Papua New Guinea’s cultural presence on its surface reinforces the universal power of art and storytelling—an enduring connection between Earth and the stars.
The Mariwai Project is proud to have 7 of our artists represented in the 3th National Art Exhibition held at the magnificent APEC Haus building Ela Beach, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea September 14th to 18th, 2024.
Explore the rich narratives of PNG’s pre-independence, independence, and post-independence eras through captivating pieces that reflect the country’s diverse cultural roots. This year’s event also highlights the works of 7 commissioned artists from Mariwai Mima and Kwoma Kollective, marking their first exhibition in the capital city. Congratulations to Mathew Kuar, Tobi Borungai, Agatoak Ronny Kowspi, Esther Borungai, Melinda Sakwai, Julie Borungai, Neville Borungai.
The Mariwai Project’s 6th annual Sepik River Film Festival returns to Papua New Guinea from August 3, 2024, transforming the jungle into an extraordinary cinema venue. This year’s theme, “Windows On to Other Worlds,” explores diverse global narratives through a range of content, from nature documentaries to experimental films. In a groundbreaking addition, the festival will feature art films from the Akeroyd Collection, co-curated by Mariwai Project founder Shiva Lynn Burgos and guest curator Skinder Hundal of Shin Dō Creative.
The Sepik River from Above
Despite limited resources, the festival creates a cheerful atmosphere with an off-grid setup, bringing cinema to remote Sepik River communities. For many attendees, this marks their first encounter with film, making each screening truly special. The festival continues to bridge cultural divides, enriching audiences through this unique cultural exchange. Dates are flexible to accommodate weather conditions and power availability, with screenings scheduled throughout August.
Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, the Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission of PNG, visited Italy to attend the VIP opening week of the prestigious Venice Art Biennale. The trip was organized and supported by The Mariwai Project, founded by artist Shiva Lynn Burgos who has been appointed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of PNG and the NCC to develop international arts and culture projects.
Mr. Kilanda’s visit was a crucial step towards PNG’s proposed participation in the next edition of the Biennale in 2026. As the representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Kilanda’s presence at this esteemed event underscores the nation’s commitment to showcasing its rich and vibrant art and culture, both traditional and contemporary, on the world stage. Ms. Burgos had the pleasure of introducing Mr. Kilanda to her wide network of arts professionals, diplomats and pavilion commissioners, throughout a busy week of ribbon cuttings, Pavilion openings and VIP events.
The Mariwai Project is proud to report the overwhelming encouragement and welcome from the Venice Biennale art community who have expressed the vital importance of a Papua New Guinea National Pavilion presence on this global platform.
The Mariwai Project Appointed to Develop International Projects with PNG NCC
Shiva Lynn Burgos of The Mariwai Project is appointed by The Papua New Guinea Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and The National Cultural Commission to develop international projects and partnerships, creating alliances with individuals and institutions to further the support and exposure PNG art and artists around the world.
Who is the National Cultural Commision (NCC)?
The National Cultural Commission, led by Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda, is a government organization focusing on preserving and promoting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. This includes cultural policy formulation, cultural planning, and supporting initiatives and events such as cultural shows, festivals, and various forms of artistic expression including visual arts, performing arts, literature, and music.
“The National Cultural Commission has very important mandate and functional responsibility in the face of this modern and current development transition. As custodian of this culture and tradition, it is our duty to preserve, protect, promotes and safeguard Papua New Guinea tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as our contemporary culture.” – Steven Kilanda
For more information on future developments by the Mariwai Project and to see how you can get involved, contact us at: TheMariwaiProject@protonmail.com
In memory of Paul Yapmunggwiyo
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Paul Yapmunggwiyo Kongi c1950-2024
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Chief Paul Yapmunggwiyo Kongi, my clan brother and the esteemed chief of Mariwai Village along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. Paul graciously welcomed me into the Kiava clan and recognized me as a fellow artist. He imparted the secrets of the culture and diligently carried the torch, preserving the legacy of the Kwoma people as a storyteller, custodian of customs, and guardian of sacred knowledge. In 2014, I revealed Chief Paul’s identity as the last living artist to contribute to Ceremonial House Ceiling aka The Kwoma Ceiling, a masterpiece adorning The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City. This creation has left an enduring imprint on our shared cultural heritage. Inspired by my connection with Paul and the village, in 2014 I founded The Mariwai Project, an artistic collaboration bridging the gap between traditional, modernist and contemporary realms, reconnecting these living artistic indigenous cultures to the custodians of international art collections originating from Papua New Guinea. The loss of Chief Paul is profoundly felt, not only within our community but also by those fortunate enough to have known him. His wisdom, artistic prowess, and exemplary leadership will be sorely missed.
His successor as Chief, noted artist Matthew Kuar, is the owner of Tokimba, the current men’s house in Mariwai that stands in correspondence with the re-imgined Ceremonial House Ceiling soon to be revealed in its new iteration at The Met in 2025. Let us fondly remember and celebrate the indelible legacy of Chief Paul Yapmunggwiyo Kongi, who has now become my revered numbawan #1 ancestor.
Shiva Lynn Burgos, The Mariwai Project
The Mariwai Project is a creative and cultural exchange founded by artist Shiva Lynn Burgos with the traditional peoples of Papua New Guinea. Originating from the smaill village of Mariwai, East Sepik Province, the project has radiated out to include other Sepik communities and has future plans to engage with all the 22 provinces of PNG. We are grass rooted to questions of “ples” , the sustainable circular nature of land, spirit, care and humanity as a driver for creative economies and community led initiatives.
The Mariwai Project at its core is an artistic collaboration with the painters, sculptors, weavers and musicians of remote Papua New Guinea. We have the rare privilege of engaging with and being engaged by traditional artists considering contemporary forms and influences.
Shiva Lynn Burgos is the first international contemporary artist to work in Mariwai, a small Kwoma village located in the Upper Sepik River, Papua New Guinea. Although it is not part of Kwoma custom for women to paint and carve she was accepted as an artist and invited into the Kiava clan. She was taught traditional styles and contributed carvings and paintings to the new ceremonial house being built in Mariwai. She has returned annually since 2013 and created The Mariwai Project, a wide-ranging and long-term arts project and cultural exchange with the indigenous artists which includes philanthropic support for art, culture, health, education and development in the region.
EXHIBITIONS
Artwork from The Mariwai Project is currently on view in the permanent collection of The Ethnologisches Museum, Humboldt Forum, Berlin. Blue Origin (Aerospace), Texas. The National Cultural Commission HQ, Port Moresby, PNG.
Recent exhibitions include: WhiteBox Gallery, NYC. Horizons at Singapore Art Week. Spring Break Art Show, Los Angeles, USA. Fotofestival Lenzburg, Switzerland. The Bath House of the Winds, Museum of Modern Greek Culture, Athens GR. Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, USA. Manifesta 13 Biennial Marseille, Les Parallèles du Sud, FR. Les Recontres d’Arles, FR. Le109, Nice. Centre d’Art Gallifet, Aix-en Provence, AORAspace.com. The US Embassy, PNG. Artist residency at Musée Archéologique de Nice-Cimiez. art residency and research project at Museum der Kulturen, Basel.
Burgos has been invited to speak at conferences and roundtables regarding her artistic and curatorial practice including: Museum der Kulturen Basel, RGM-Global Mentoring Network, Heimat Museum-Davos with SAS, Samsung Innovation Space with The British Council, The Australia Museum, The Oceanic Arts Society, Atria Paris, The US Embassy, PNG and as a Council member of The Global Foundation at roundtables in Rome, Assisi and Paris. Burgos is a member of the Pacific Arts Association, The Oceanic Arts Society and an advisor to the Nobel Sustainability Trust.
Since its inception in 2014 we have embarked on an extensive research project at the Goldwater Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art archives, Museum of Primitive Art archives, the Douglas Newton Archives as well as our own field research in the Kwoma community. We have worked with several distinguished experts in the fields of anthropology, art anthropology, ethnography, museum curators and art dealers both in Papua New Guinea and internationally and since have received a great deal of support for our project from the academic, artistic and diplomatic communities. Additionally, we have taken photographic copies of Kwoma objects for identification by village elders on behalf of several major ethnographic museums.
The Mariwai Project has hosted diverse international visitors including United States Embassy representatives, the former European Union Representative, senior academics at UPNG and leaders in the field of contemporary art and sustainability. In 2018 we are proud to have aided the Boram Hospital outreach program which performed more than 200 eye surgeries to those living in remote river communities. We hosted the first Kwoma Culture Show in Mariwai Village in August 2019. The new school for elementary education was built in 2022. Since 2016 our Sepik River Film Festival has been presenting a curated selection of educational content and entertainment to the most remote communities. We are open to submissions and collaborations with artists, film institutes and collections.
The Mariwai Project has a number of diverse aims:
To encourage and assist the Kwoma in keeping their culture alive in a changing world.
To inspire museums to engage with and encourage the living cultures and communities represented in their collections and to bring a new audience and purpose to the museum collections.
To encourage a live dialogue with ethnographers, anthropologists, museum personnel, collectors and dealers in a new engagement with the region
To tell the story of the Kwoma Ceiling panels at The Metropolitan Museum, New York and the people that made them and in doing so to reveal a wider story about the value of myths and culture.
To provide artists materials and to maintain not only the new ceremonial house in Mariwai but the network of over a dozen spirit houses in the Kwoma/Nukuma region
To support women led creative enterprise and business with projects like The Women’s Tapestry Initiative
To take artists and others (linguists, dancers, musicians, architects, scientific community, etc.) to Mariwai to engage with and be inspired by Kwoma culture and traditions. We have been working with the village to ensure a welcome and enable guests to have a deep and meaningful engagement with the community.
To give to the local river peoples the opportunity to study their own history and culture as it has been recorded, analyzed and presented by outsiders. We have presented copies of the available books on local art and history along with other relevant historical documents and photographs to form a small library.
To research historic museum collections and their relation to current practices in the region
To encourage and facilitate responsible ecological cultural tourism in the region
To work with other agencies to provide support for healthcare, education and development in the region.
To work with local communities and other organizations to ensure the continued awareness and preservation of the natural environment and ecosystem of the Sepik River.
The Mariwai Project 