New exhibition explores Papua New Guinean cultural traditions
Curated by Papua New Guinean born multidisciplinary artist, Weniki Hensch, Transmutation: Our Origin Stories is an exhibition of mixed-media pieces that explore the idea of alchemy within Papua New Guinean cultural traditions.
Thematically the exhibition delves into the ideas of matriarchal lineage and the body as a vessel – a powerful channel for the transmission of Ancestral knowledge, tradition and often spiritual or magical capabilities.
In Papua New Guinean culture, matriarchal lineage, a system where kinship and descent are traced through the female line, is considered a conduit for the transmission of traits, attributes and capabilities.
The exhibition features a variety of mixed-media artworks including a video work and sculptural pieces by Weniki; a series of traditional tapa textiles by Omie artists; and a diptych by painter Lesley Wengembo.
Weniki’s video work is of a dance piece that examines the intergenerational connection that threads between the original male and female Ancestors through to the current generation.
Reflecting on Weniki’s experience of diaspora and adoption, the choreographic work explores hybrid connection to Country, culture and traditions and how her lessons are alchemised to create a new pathway home for her daughter. The video’s creative direction is inspired by the life cycle of the Papua New Guinean Oro Province’s totem animal, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly.
‘The exhibition sheds light on the lived experiences of the Papua New Guinean community, of connection to family and cultural practices through our elders' eyes, of adoption and growing up on country. Through honouring and seeking the ‘old ways’ of our elders, these foundations inform and deepen the insight and understanding of current and future generations,’ said Weniki Hensch, Transmutation curator and exhibiting artist.
Lesley Wengembo’s exhibited works share the theme of the alchemy of cultural traditions as understood in the realm of the contemporary. His two oil paintings, Neon: Uncle and I am Mayan pay homage to the metamorphosis of traditional art as it evolves into the present while keeping its essence.
The Neon diptych represents mass production, consumerism and the modern pop-culture mindset – one where nothing remains secret or unique. I am Mayan serves as an allegory for two cultures and two generations – past and present. Both pieces incorporate bilum - traditional hand-woven string bags – with one wool thread used to connect the two artworks.
Expanding on the theme of intergenerational knowledge and alchemy, Omie artists have created tapa textiles featuring the art of painting traditional tattoos onto ‘nioge’, women's barkcloth skirts, using natural dyes. This practice archives women’s & men’s traditional tattoo markings, that have been passed down and practiced generation to generation, down the female bloodline.
Reflecting on this new exhibition, Justice Nelson, Museum Victoria’s Head of First Peoples Experiences said, 'Transmutation: Our Origin Stories offers a rare intersection of cultural memory, continuation of practice and Ancestral power. We’re honoured to host an exhibition that not only celebrates Papa New Guinean matriarchal traditions but also invites audiences to reflect on the transformative pathways that connect us to our origins.'
Transmutation: Our Origin Stories
Open: Friday 5 December 2025 – 28 February 2026
Location: First Peoples Touring Gallery at Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Tickets: available at Melbourne Museum and online.
