Comments on: Interview with Michael Mel

By: admin

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:57:12 +0000

To make it easier to follow and contribute to the discussion about Michael Mel's performance art that's occurring now on several pages on this site, I'm going to be moving these comments to a single page, the artist's biography. I'll post a permanent link to that page here. Please follow up the discussion on that page. Dan

By: Simpson Sake

Simpson Sake — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:05:10 +0000

Dan, thank you. This is my impression on the video you mention above. I have posted my comments on another section of this site but am posting it now on this appropriate page. My first impression was that it seemed as though not much thought had gone into the organization of the concepts and issues that he tried to bring to light.

As a Papua New Guinean , I kind of felt that some of the issues that Assoc Prof. Mel eluded to were not given any justice. This is my personal opinion of the video. Thank you, Dan.

By: Dokta Alu

Dokta Alu — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:53:22 +0000

Thank you Dan for your response to Roger’s comments. You have done well with everything andminstratively and doing what you are doing. While I appreciate what you and others have done and are doing for Dr. Mel and his group, I, as an insder of the culture that he comes from and as I passionate promoter of culture have to agree with all the above comments. When is Dr. Mel going to in full bilas of the culture that he is proud of and not such grand “mixture” of bits and pieces from everywhere in PNG. His late wife has done in his bilas (as a woman from his area would) but himself – will wait and see. Are all his performances on the effects of colonailism –an excuse for the use of laplap? Why not use other traditional wears from other provinces in PNG to use instead of a laplap if he can’t wear his own. That is a good enough substitue. But not a laplap to promote anything about culture esp. PNG culture! Thank you. Dokta.

By: admin

admin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:20:19 +0000

Thanks for your comments here and elsewhere, Roger. You might be interested in the brief description of Michael Mel's performance that I've posted in a comment here. The contradiction you mention- that of a representative of PNG culture wearing a laplap and bilas- was for me one of the central ironies in the performance, a symbol of the struggle to make sense of a history (an inheritance) of often conflicting interests. It's hard to get this from photos alone, though, so we're working on preparing a video of his recent performance. Meanwhile, you might like to check out this video of Michael's 2007 performance at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Dan Lepsoe

By: Roger Jeffery

Roger Jeffery — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:13:03 +0000

I agree with the other comments made throughout this site. While I appreciate with the Assoc. Prof. Mel is doing overseas, I am amused that he is always a sole performer when it comes to perfromance. PNG, cultural stuff is generally done in pairs or group. Unsual but interesting – the mixed bilas and the laplap choice as contemporary art or bilas. If you are really interested in culture perservation and promotion that your choice of bilas on this site is contradicting what you are on about, isn’t it, Assoc. Prof.? What are you trying to tell the world? The world will believe anything we showcase but a true practioner of culture will know the truth that ‘all that is just show and tell’ with no real substance. Just a comment from another proud Highlander . Roger.

By: Daniel Tope

Daniel Tope — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:07:21 +0000

Asso.Prof. Mel,

I have viewed your performance in Brisbane with your late wife and see your pictures on this website but I have a problem: You present your self proudly as a Mogei, from Western Highlands, but I have yet to see you bilas like one. That for me is your real culture and tradition. A laplap doesn’t go down well with the majority of us – true believers of real PNG culture and identity. Just a comment. Daniel.

By: Jacinta J William

Jacinta J William — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:46 +0000

Ass.Pro.Mel,

Dr. Mel, I admire your passion and the enthusiasim with which you go all out to promote PNG art and culture abroad! Your own students at UOG must be the envy of others since they have you in their midst to mentor and show by example. What UOG does would definite be something for the others to also admire and be proud of. Namely in the way of PNG art collection, performances, presentations ,…all in the name of PNG art and culture esp. with yourself as a Curator of world expereince. You would definitely be promoting the Melpa culture no doubt in all your presentations since you would know that best. Cheers. Jacinta.