Gabriel Katepu is a self-taught artist who was born and raised on Taimi Gidu Island, a picturesque paradise two hours from Lae, City Papua New Guinea.

With only a partial education, Gabriel initially began his artistic career after learning from his peers. His first sale was at a local craft market and since then his interest in art has continued to grow. His inspiration is the uniqueness and culture of PNG, and he paints, sketches and draws using a range of materials and canvases, from clothing to artist canvas. He has great eye for perspective, colour or black and white ink or pencil.

With a distinct perspective of the world around him and a desire to promote his culture and his identity through his artwork, Gabriel has been painting and drawing for 20 years.

In this tropical environment where the vast majority of the inhabitants live largely traditional lives – painting has been a creative outlet that Gabriel has used to express his awe and admiration for the rugged landscape that is Papua New Guinea.

Gabriel hopes to one day complete his formal education and use his art to support himself and his family financially.