ExxonMobil’s FOCUS brings together more than two lifetimes of work by renowned photographers Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead, whose images capture the spirit, resilience, and beauty of Papua New Guinea over five transformative decades. Through their lenses, the story of a nation unfolds — from the volcanic eruption that blanketed Rabaul in ash, to the timeless rivers that sustain life, to the vibrant traditional dress that speaks to the unity of a thousand tribes.
 
The exhibition is presented in nine thematic collections, including Under the Sea, celebrating PNG’s place in the Coral Triangle, National Events that trace our journey as a democracy, and Industry, a reminder of the opportunities and challenges in harnessing our resources. Each image is both documentary and poetry — a testimony to the past, a reflection of the present, and a call to preserve our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
 
On the eve of our 50th Independence Anniversary, FOCUS invites all Papua New Guineans to reconnect with their shared history and envision a future rooted in pride, diversity, and responsibility. This exhibition is both a celebration and a reminder: our stories, told through images, are the mirrors of our nation.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ROCKY ROE

Rocky Roe’s connection to Papua New Guinea began just after Independence, when he left Australia to work with Bougainville Copper Ltd as a mechanical fitter. His true passion, however, was photography. In 1981 he joined Gordon Sioni Pacific Advertising, returning to Bougainville Copper, this time behind the lens, before going on to document mines, petroleum fields, and remote landscapes across the country.

Through his camera, Rocky captured the early years of PNG’s primary industries and revealed places few could reach: Mt Wilhelm, the Hindenburg Wall, vast limestone valleys, the hidden islands of Lake Kutubu, and the dramatic fjords of Tufi. His images stand as a visual record of exploration and transformation in PNG’s formative years.

DINAH HALSTEAD

“I want everyone to see and appreciate the amazing wonders of the sea—what it teaches us, and to inspire a new generation to care for the natural world.” – Dinah Halstead

Dinah Halstead, from Lauadi in Milne Bay, began her career as a teacher, working alongside the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare before Independence and later with the late Sir Pita Lus. She went on to gain international certification as a Diving Instructor, a step that opened the door to a lifelong journey beneath the waters of the Asia-Pacific.

Over the past four decades, Dinah has received numerous global accolades in dive tourism, photography, and marine conservation. Her achievements include induction into the prestigious Jacques Cousteau Hall of Fame, recognising her invaluable contributions to conservation, education, training, and recreational diving. She has also authored several publications, including The Coral Reefs of Papua New Guinea (1988).

Education Partnership – Ginigoada Foundation

The ExxonMobil FOCUS Exhibition National Tour is proud to partner with the Ginigoada Foundation as the official Education Partner for the national tour.

Established in 2001 by Dame Carol Kidu, the Ginigoada Foundation has played a significant role in empowering disadvantaged Papua New Guineans through inclusive education, life skills, vocational training, and pathways to employment and self-reliance.

Through this partnership, the FOCUS Exhibition and Ginigoada Foundation will work together to expand educational and cultural access across Papua New Guinea by bringing the exhibition directly to schools, universities, and communities throughout the country.

This collaboration creates an important opportunity for Ginigoada to further extend its national reach and community impact beyond Port Moresby, engaging young Papua New Guineans through storytelling, creativity, photography, and cultural education.

Together, the partnership aims to:

• Inspire youth through art, history, and storytelling
• Encourage creative expression and cultural pride
• Support educational engagement across regional centres
• Create accessible learning experiences for students and communities
• Strengthen national identity during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary

By combining the educational mission of Ginigoada Foundation with the national cultural significance of the ExxonMobil FOCUS Exhibition, the tour will leave a lasting impact not only as a photographic exhibition, but as a platform for inspiration, empowerment, and learning across Papua New Guinea.

LOCATIONS & TOUR SCHEDULE

The exhibition will tour four key locations across Papua New Guinea, representing all four regions.
Book today to secure your spot at an upcoming event near you!

Exhibition Opening Hours

All Locations — 9:00am – 5:00pm Daily

RSVP FOR FOCUS 2026

The ExxonMobil FOCUS Exhibition is FREE ENTRY, come and share in our history through the lens.

We will be touring across Papua New Guinea, showcasing over 200 powerful images that celebrate our people, culture, and history.

Let us know which province you’re interested in attending so we can gauge the attendance capacity for each exhibition in this years 2026 National Tour.

“Lukim yu lo hia!”

© 2026 ExxonMobil FOCUS Exhibition. All rights reserved. All photography and exhibition content featured on this website remain the intellectual property of the respective photographers and contributors unless otherwise stated. No reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of images or content is permitted without prior written permission. Presented in partnership with ExxonMobil PNG and the Ginigoada Foundation. For partnership enquiries: info@pawanetwork.com