Michael Mel (born 1959) is a Papua New Guinean academic in visual arts at the University of Goroka, curator, philosopher, musician, and playwright.
Early Life
Michael Mel was born in 1959 in Wila, near Mount Hagen, in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy. His father had a strong memory, recalling family history up to five generations. Mel grew up eating kaukau (sweet potatoes), as his parents had never tasted rice or bread.
Career
As an artist, Mel specializes in performance and installation art, as well as body painting. He is particularly known for his work with "Chanted Tales"—traditional historic stories of local people that serve to transmit social responsibility and morality. Mel worked to revive access to these tales, which had fallen into obscurity as English became the principal language in Papua New Guinea.
Awards
In 2006, Mel was honored with a Prince Claus Award for his key role in the cultural development of the communities of the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Note on other individuals
There is also an American actor named Michael Mel (born September 8, 1952, in California, USA), known for appearing in the 1965 skateboarding film Skaterdater and ABC Stage 67 (1966). This is a different person from the Papua New Guinean academic.
