Lesley Wengembo’s Archibald Prize 2021 entry

This is Lesley Wengembo’s latest Archibald Prize 2021 entry. The legendary Australian New Zealand actor from early Mad Max 2 and 3, Lord of the Rings etc, Bruce Spence, was his sitter.
Lesley was unfortunate to not be selected as a finalist but is already excitedly thinking about what he will enter next year.
Lesley Wengembo was born in Goroka and raised in Port Moresby. He started painting in 2012 when he followed his mum to monthly craft market at Moresby National Art Theatre. There, he saw the work of the late Martin Morobubuna and was influenced by his work. Lesley’s stunning works are mostly portraits and landscape using Oil paint on canvas. He loves painting faces and feels it connects him to his culture and Papua New Guinean identity. Lesley is dedicated to his faith, putting god first in everything. He understands that having a gift comes great responsibility, and with responsibility should come the humility and principles to commit to that gift. ​Art to Lesley is everything.
Lesley is currently studying fine art in Sydney, Australia. He would like to gain more knowledge about world art to take back to his country. He dreams that one day he will create an art movement of international significance. More information on Lesley at: http://www.grassskirtproject.org/lesley-wengembo.html
Lesley will be speaking at a PNGAA event in Sydney on 6 June 2021!!  Come along but please reply quickly as numbers need to be given to Hornsby RSL.  Scroll down for the post or see: https://pngaa.org/png-tales-with-bob-lawrence-and-lesley-wengembo-6-june-2021-hornsby-rsl-sydney-book-early/