Meet Gene Kelly, 23 years of age who hails from the beautiful Tsoi Islands in the Lavongai LLG and kol peles Goroka in the Eastern Highlands province.
Gene who spent most of his life in New Ireland discovered his gift for art when he was in grade three.
“I found out I was good at drawing when I began sketches using pencils. Then as time went by I was introduced to painting after watching the boys doing face painting during Blues and Maroons games,” said Gene. In 2012 was when Gene’s gift was further elevated to painting portraits.
“My first serious portrait painting was when I painted the late former Kavieng MP Ben Micah in 2012. From there I saw I could make money out of my gift. I have also painted portraits of James Marape and Walter Schnaubelt,” said Gene.
He said he usually doesn’t put an exact price on his portraits but is greatful for the proceeds from his work.
His latest master piece is a portrait of the last Man Standing and Governor of New Ireland Sir Julius Chan.
The artwork is spiritually captivating and cuts deep into the soul, bringing out Sir J’s New Ireland heritage.
Gene has managed to remove all the western accolades and titles bestowed upon Sir J to show him in a much more simple yet enigmatic state.
Gene is currently building his art collection and hopes to host an art exhibition soon to showcase his art to the public.
He also aims to sell his art online in the future.
Although Gene did not complete his grade 12 at Namatanai Secondary due to school fights at the time, he has chosen not to give up on himself.
Choosing to perfect his passion for drawing and painting portraits .