Michael Mel is a Papua New Guinean academic in visual arts at the University of Goroka, curator, philosopher, musician and playwright.
His parents never tasted rice and bread, and Michael revealed he grew up on kaukau (sweet potatoes).
[3] As an artist Mel principally specialized in performance and installation art and body painting.
Furthermore, he is known for his Chanted Tales, traditional historic stories of local people that serve for passing social responsibility and morality.
[1][2] 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.