Michael Parekowhai was born in 1968 of Nga Ariki, Ngati Whakarongo and European descent. He attended Auckland University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1990, Master of Fine Arts in 2000 and is currently Associate Professor at Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts. In 2001 he was the recipient of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureates award.
His art practice is diverse and includes sculpture, photography and installation. His work is beautifully produced and often on a huge and ambitious scale for example: two bronze Steinway grand pianos, a bronze cast elephant and a two storeyed state house. These are all life sized works where the scale is notable not only for the production of the work itself but also the site required to exhibit it.
He presents ideas that engage with the viewer both visually and emotionally. His work is often unpredictable and includes ideas around the intersections between national and personal narratives, colonial histories and popular culture.
Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand’s most important contemporary artists. His work is held in significant public and private collections in New Zealand and Australia, as well as in several permanent collections across the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe.
In 2011 Michael Parekowhai was selected to represent New Zealand at the Venice Biennale.
