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Michael Parekowhai
(Nga-Ariki, Ngati Whakarongo. b. Porirua, New Zealand, 1968; lives and works in Auckland, NZ)
COMMISSIONED BY Litmus Research Initiative
Michael Parekowhai, The Horn of Africa, 2006
Michael Parekowhai uses satire in his works to address political and social issues. His practice engages with a range of European artists and movements, from Marcel Duchamp to Minimalism and Pop, using them as a frame in which to consider the place of Maori culture within New Zealand’s dominant pakeha (non-indigenous) society. Parekowhai is best known for striking, large-scale sculptural works that have a refined and seductive presence. His work often appropriates the forms of familiar things — such as toys and animals — placing them in intriguing relationships that purposely invite a wide variety of interpretations relevant to the cultural context of New Zealand and beyond. His recent commission for the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, The Big O.E., illustrates this artist’s particular interest in exploring the nature and definition of Pakeha culture.
Selected solo exhibitions include The Big O.E., Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, (2006), Michael Parekowhai: Consolation of philosophy Piko nei te matenga, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth (2004) and the acclaimed touring exhibition Patriot: Ten Guitars, Artspace, Auckland (1999). Selected group exhibitions include The 5th Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (2006), High Tide: currents in contemporary New Zealand & Australian Art, Zacheta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw (2006), Remember New Zealand, Sao Paulo Biennale (2004), The 13th Sydney Biennale (2002) and Flight Patterns, MOCA The Geffen Contemporary, Los Angles (2000)
Michael Parekowhai was born in Porirua in 1968 and is of Nga-Ariki, Ngati Whakarongo and European decent. Parekowhai holds a masters degree from the University of Auckland School of Fine Arts and was awarded an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2001. He currently lives in Auckland.
One day sculpture project details to follow. |
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