Mathias Kauage O.B.E. (1944 in Miugu, Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea - May 2003)[1] [2] was a Papua New Guinean artist. In 1998, Kauage was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts by Queen Elizabeth II.[3] The National Gallery of Australia has described him as "Papua New Guinea's best-known contemporary artist".[4] He was still holding regular exhibitions abroad shortly before his death,[5] in Australia, Europe and Africa.[2]
Kauage's art included drawing, painting and woodcuts. His career as an artist was reportedly inspired by visiting an exhibition of Timothy Akis' in 1969.[5]
He was unrelated to fellow artist Chris Kauage, although the two were friends.[2]