Laben Sakale John is a painter from Papua New Guinea (PNG) (a Pacific Island.). His work is a reflection of his people, culture and personal experiences. His work addresses gender roles, family affairs, domestic violence, HIV and AIDS, law and order, and politics; themes that have very strong links to cultural beliefs and are having an effect on modern Papua New Guinea. In early 2006 he began experimenting with new ideas and techniques, using kitchen knives, broken bottles/glasses, sticks, his fingers and his feet to create his artworks. John comments that living in Port Moresby (PNG's capital), is challenging for an artist. " … A city were more than 800 different languages are spoken and evident signs of traditional and modern life having an effect on individuals and families."
