Career
In 1998, Kauage was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts by Queen Elizabeth World War II The National Gallery of Australia has described him as "Papua New Guinea’s best-known contemporary artist". He was still holding regular exhibitions abroad shortly before his death, in Australia, Europe and Africa. 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.