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Story Behind
The Logo

EXTRACT:  IT ONLY TAKES ONE HANDKERCHIEF
by D. Wotton (unpublished)
The humble pocket handkerchief is perhaps the best example of the different value that early nineteenth-century London put on the goods of everyday life.
A simple cotton handkerchief could be resold for sixpence, while a silk one might fetch six shillings - enough money to provide oneself hot food for a week.

 It was the very act of pocket picking a handkerchief in 1836 that resulted in David James Wotton, an impoverished labourer from Mile End in the east end of London, being transported ‘across the seas’ for seven years to the penal colony of New South Wales. 

Upon completion of his assigned service to District Magistrate Crawford Logan Brown, and a short-lived term as a bushranger, David was granted a Certificate of Freedom in 1845. Thereafter he worked as a house painter and fathered twelve children. 

The State of New South Wales extensive collection of Imperial Convict Records between 1788 and 1842 are inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. David Wotton is immortalised in these records.

Paradise Palette
Turns Six !

Now in its sixth year, Paradise Paradise exhibitions of contemporary art, showcasing the talents of Port Moresby’s (PNG) street artists, hosted by RQAS (Brisbane Inc) Petrie Terrace Gallery, 162 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane QLD have grown exponentially to include works by over 40 artists. The exhibitions in recent years have received sponsorship from Brisbane City Council and received wide media coverage, including radio interviews with SBS, ABC Radio Australia broadcasting throughout the Pacific, the PNG print media and, most recently, a 15 page feature article in PNG Air’s in-flight magazine May 2022 edition.

The exhibitions have significantly raised the international profile of the PNG contemporary art movement and created a substantial not-for-profit sales outlet for the participating artists, helping to supplement their subsistence incomes. The exhibitions have provided visiting PNG artists experience in the operation of commercial gallery practices, build confidence and enhance their painting skills. A major aspect of the exhibitions has been the forging of strong cross-cultural relationships between the PNG artists and their fellow Australian counterparts. The exhibitions have also evolved to become an important social venue for ex-patriate PNG citizens to meet with former colleagues and friends.

If you are in the greater Brisbane area do come along to the Paradise Palette 2022 exhibition - 07-25 September 2022, open daily 10:00am - 3.30pm. Opening night 07 September 7:00pm till late. Entrance is free.

How Long Can
A Mural Last

Imagine what stories this mural could tell! This panel is but a portion of a mural that extends around a residential compound for PNG Power employees along Ugava Street, Kitogara Street and Turuha Place Street, Gordons in Port Moresby. The mural was the initiative of Don Wotton and the late Jack Orere of PNG Power (formerly Elcom) to combat graffiti on the walls of a staff compound. Painted by street artists John Siune, Kuiye Siune, Oscar Towa and Gigs Wena with input from wantoks and local residents, in 1994 the mural has certainly stood the test of time. Although now faded under an unrelenting tropical sun it has survived largely undamaged for the past twenty five years!

The mural project provided the artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents and resulted in PNG Power commissioning them to paint energy installations around the city promoting the safe and beneficial use of electricity. The mural subsequently became a catalyst for the careers of many street artists in Port Moresby who went on to paint numerous school halls, churches and other public buildings around
the city.