Background:

INSPIRATION:

My inspiration came from my father, late Jakupa Ako, one of the pioneer visual artists of Papua New Guinea who were the founders of art.

EDUCATION:

Currently doing Master in Arts-University of Goroka.

2014-2016: Bachelor of Arts (Creative Arts and Design) University of Papua New Guinea.
2009: Diploma in Arts Education-University of Goroka.
2007-2008: Diploma in Creative Industries-University of Goroka.

EXPERIENCES:
Art Practice:

I started painting after completing high school in 1998 and have since undertaken tertiary studies. I've completed my Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Arts and Design from Creative Arts at the University of Papua New Guinea.

My father, the late Jakupa, was one of Papua New Guinea's foremost contemporary artists who died in 1997. Although he spent much time in Port Moresby while I was growing up near Goroka, our hometown, I was deeply influenced by his work. After finding his paint and brushes in our house, I began my own art practice.

Over the years, I have developed my own unique style that explores contemporary life in Papua New Guinea. Like many others in my country, I live a simple life in a village without running water and electricity, in a bush house that I made myself. Painting is both my passion and my livelihood.

My art reflects my indigenous heritage. I take inspiration from the rich colours of nature and the dynamic cultural traditions of Papua New Guinea.

EXHIBITIONS: 
Solo Exhibitions:

- 2012: Without Pier Gallery, Melbourne, Australia.
- 2011: Pacific Gardens Hotel, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2008: Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, Australia.
- 2006: Goroka Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea.
- 2005: Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne, Australia.
- 2003: Goroka Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea.
- 2002: Goroka Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea.
- 2001: Goroka Cultural Show, Papua New Guinea.

Group Exhibitions
- 2017: Exhibited in "Yumi Yet Art Award at the University of Goroka.
- 2017: PNG Art Evolution, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2016: PNG Art Evolution, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2015: PNG Arts for Development (PNG), Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2014: Melanesian Arts Festival, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2013: Paradise Lost, Museum of Anthropology, University of British Colombia, Canada.
- 2011: Live Lave Art Award, Goroka Papua New Guinea.
- 2009: 6th International Orchid Spectacular, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2008: Luksave Art Show, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2008: Goroka Coffee Festival Art Show, University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2007: Luksave Art Show, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2006: Goroka Coffee Festival Art Show, University of Goroka.
- 2005: Goroka Coffee Festival Art Show, University of Goroka.
- 2005: Melbourne Affordable Art Show, Melbourne Australia.
- 2004: Melbourne Art Fair, Melbourne, Australia.
- 2004: Goroka Cultural Show, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2004: Goroka Coffee Festival Art Show, University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2002: Visual Arts Department Annual Exhibition, University of Goroka, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
- 2002 Goroka Coffee Festival Art Show, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2001: Lae Lioness Arts and Crafts Show, Lae, Papua New Guinea.
- 2001: Goroka Women's Awareness Show, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

RESIDENCIES:

- 2017: Artist in Residence, University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2007:  Artist in Residence, Goroka Preparatory School, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2003: Commonwealth Arts and Crafts Residency, Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, Fiji.

COMMISSIONS:

Mural for New Guinea Fruit Co. Goroka and Lae, Papua New Guinea.
- 2003: Mural for Goroka International School, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
- 2007: Painting on canvas for France Embassy, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

AWARDS:

- 2020-2021:  One Ocean Hub, Deep Fund, Glasgow School of Art, Scotland, Europe
- 2017: Three (3) prices in different categories,  Yumi Yet Art Show.
* First (1st) price in painting, (category A, professional),
* First (1st) price in sculpture and
* Third (3) price in Urban Art category.