Kirkland Captures PNG’s Spirit in 20-Year Photo Journey

More than 20 years of photography of Papua New Guinea has been captured in a new book released this week as part of the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 

Australian photographer David Kirkland has published Papua New Guinea – The Last Great Frontier, his sixth book on the country since he began capturing promotional photographs for the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) back in the early 2000s. 

Kirkland highlighted the significance of PNG’s unique culture. 

“It’s been one of my great privileges to return to this country frequently over the years and capture photographs that have been used to promote PNG worldwide. 

To me, this country has always been The Last Great Frontier – an exceptional experience for the adventurous traveller. No where else in the world – and I’ve travelled it widely – offers such a spectacular array of culture and colour. And, in all the time I’ve travelled the country, I’ve only ever been welcomed by the friendliest of people,” said Kirkland. 

According to Kirkland, his new book is the most prestigious publication he’s ever produced to reflect the status of the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“It’s a large coffee table book – twice the size of my earlier books – which includes the best 150 photographs I’ve captured from throughout the country. I’d like to think it’s a unique testament to the country’s beauty, its tremendous cultural diversity, and the changes that have taken place since I first wandered the highlands around the time of the Mt Kare gold rush. 

Since I arrived here, I’ve been working closely with the TPA which has been an exceptional partner. A member of its staff has travelled with me over the length and breadth of the country ensuring the images we captured appealed to the markets likely to be interested in the experience offered by PNG”, said Kirkland. 

He also added that the book draws attention to what he considers to be the fragility of Papua New Guinea’s rich traditional culture.  

“Papua New Guinea is changing rapidly. It has moved from the stone-age to the space age in less than a lifetime, and I fear much of its traditional culture – the thread that links generations – is being lost in the process”, he said. 

 I’d like to think my book draws attention to both the value, and vulnerability, of traditional practices in this country,” said Kirkland. 

Coinciding with the release of the book, 150 large photographic prints by the photographer are being hung as a permanent collection throughout PNG’s K665 million Waigani Court Precinct. 

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has secured more than 1,000 copies of renowned photographer David Kirkland’s newly released book, Papua New Guinea – The Last Great Frontier. 

The acquisition will support its promotional efforts locally and abroad, providing a powerful visual tool to inspire travel and highlight PNG as a unique destination for adventurous travellers. 

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended Kirkland on his new publication and he highlighted the importance of capturing PNG’s rich culture through photography.

“This publication is a visual chronicle of Papua New Guinea’s journey over the decades. As we celebrate 50 years of nationhood, David Kirkland’s work captures the essence of our people, culture, and natural beauty that continue to inspire travellers from around the world.

For over 20 years, David  Kirkland has been one of our strongest partners in sharing Papua New Guinea’s story with the world. His lens has helped position our country as The Last Great Frontier, a destination for those seeking adventure, authenticity, and cultural richness,” said Uvovo.◼️