The aim of the Oceanic Art Society is to further the understanding and appreciation of Oceanic art. The focus is on the traditional and contemporary art of the indigenous peoples of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and Australasia. We hold regular presentations and seminars, and an annual Forum; we publish a quarterly Journal and send free newsletters to interested subscribers, worldwide.
OAS Journal Stories.
The latest stories, reviews and more from the Oceanic Art Society Journal – published quarterly.
Melanesian Lullaby
The Pacific Cultures Gallery enters hibernation as collections receive conservation care, while the South Australian Museum collaborates with Pasifika communities to reimagine its future displays.
Mutuaga and the Kwato Mission
Mutuaga, a master carver from Papua New Guinea, gained recognition through the Kwato Mission and established trade routes, fostering the promotion of his art and cultural identity.
Plumes from Paradise
The “Plumes from Paradise” exhibition at Musée Quai Branly explores the cultural significance of birds of paradise in Papua New Guinea and their influence on Western art, history, and fashion.
Ernst Heinrich: An Extraordinary Collector
The book “Ernst Heinrich: An Extraordinary Collector” chronicles the life and legacy of Ernst Heinrich, highlighting his significant contributions to collecting Oceanic art in 20th-century Europe.
Multiverse: Brian Robinson
The Newcastle Art Gallery showcases Brian Robinson’s “Multiverse,” a major exhibition featuring his linocut prints, sculptures, and digital animation, celebrating Torres Strait Islander culture and creativity.
OAS Sponsorship Program
The OAS welcomes sponsorship from individuals and organisations who share our commitment to furthering the appreciation and understanding of Oceanic art.
From the Editor
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Mothers’ Refusal: Karla Dickens + Rosanna Raymond presented by Dissident Kin
Exhibition | 9 – 24 October 2026
APY Gallery Redfern, Sydney, Australia
This contemporary exhibition of original works by Wiradjuri installation artist, weaver and collagist Karla Dickens and Samoan New Zealand artist Rosanna Raymond is born of ‘bloody instinct and kissable lips’, shaped by ancestral lineages and urban experience, offering a sharp-witted commentary on cultural sovereignty and matriarchal tenacity.
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Sydney Oceanic Art Fair
Gala Fair | Saturday evening 3 April 2027 | Paddington, Sydney, Australia
Fair | Sunday 4 April 2027 | Paddington, Sydney, Australia
We will again be holding our highly successful Sydney Oceanic Arts Fair (SOAF) Sydney, on 3 and 4 April 2027.
We are excited to be hosted by Martin Browne Contemporary in Paddington. A beautiful space in the heart of Paddington’s gallery district.
We will have a Gala Preview and Auction for vendors and members on Saturday 3 April from 5:00 – 7:30 pm. The Gala Preview will be a social event, with drinks and nibbles and a live auction.
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Oceanic Art Speaks – Ben Shaw
Live Talk | 7:30 pm 28 October 2026 (East Coast Australia)
Online
Register to hear Ben Shaw, archaeologist and Associate Professor in the School of Culture, History and Language at The Australian National University, talk about aspects of his latest book Developing Maritime Economies of the Pre-Colonial Massim, Papua New Guinea: The Making of an Island World and the Foundations of Kula by Cambridge University Press.
Ben’s research is geographically focused on Papua New Guinea where he has undertaken extensive fieldwork over the past 17 years across many island, coastal and highland regions. He has also worked in Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia. Ben’s research spans the full length of human history from colonisation through to historic contexts. His major interest is the interplay between past climates, environments, and human behaviours. He is currently working in the islands of the Milne Bay Province and the Bogia-Ramu area in the Madang Province of Papua New Guinea.
Ben will address two research questions outlined in his book:
1. To what extent can the Massim be considered an economic region in the precolonial past?
2. Is Kula a suitable model for precolonial economies in the Massim islands?
events.humanitix.com/oceanic-art-speaks-ben-shaw
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Videos
See the latest videos form the Oceanic Art Society, including lectures, special events and more.
Lani Auvita Scott – OAS Forum 2025
The Living Thread: Cultural Continuity for the Next Generation https://youtu.be/fURJ168gzUs . . . This content is restricted to subscribers only. For access, become an Oceanic Art Society member or login …
Join the Oceanic Art Society
The aim of the Oceanic Art Society is to further the understanding and appreciation of Oceanic art. The focus is on traditional tribal art including contemporary art of the indigenous people of Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia and Australasia. Provide your support and become a member for accessing to premium content, event discounts and other benefits.