PAX JAKUPA | 'Baby on Bilum' | Ink on paper

Pax Jakupa is originally from the Bena District in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea. His parents decided to move into town where his family lived in Kama village for more than forty years. 

His painting career started soon after his father Jakupa Ako died in 1997 while Pax was still in Goroka High School (now Goroka Secondary School). Jakupa Ako Snr is one of Papua New Guinea’s early (1970s – 1990s) contemporary artists who created pathways for artists today. His work was accepted and exhibited in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific as well as internationally. His services to the art industry in PNG have been recognised with an awarded with a MBE (Member of British Empire) by the Queen.

Pax’s paintings are inspired by his father Jakupa Ako’s style, which is evident in Pax’s distinctive paintings. His skills development and new ideas are constantly informing his painting practice. With more than twenty years of painting experience, his work has developed considerably from his first efforts as an emerging visual artist, and he has since graduated from the University of Goroka and University Papua New Guinea.

PAX JAKUPA | 'Baby on Bilum' | 2024 | Ink on paper | 76 (h) x 56 (w) cm