Michael Parekowhai
- Born:
- 1968, Auckland, New Zealand
- Nationality:
- New Zealander
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Installation Artist
Early Life and Education
- Parekowhai is of Ngāpuhi and Pākehā descent.
- He studied at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1990 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2000.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early works often explored themes of identity, culture, and representation within a New Zealand context.
- Represented New Zealand at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 with the exhibition "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer".
- Created significant public artworks, including "The Lighthouse" on Queens Wharf, Auckland.
- Held numerous solo and group exhibitions in New Zealand and internationally.
- Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
Notable Works
- "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer" (2011): New Zealand Pavilion, Venice Biennale.
- "The Lighthouse" (2016): Public sculpture, Queens Wharf, Auckland.
- "A Peak in Darien" (2011): Sculptural installation featuring life-sized bronze figures.
Legacy and Impact
Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand's most prominent contemporary artists, known for his thought-provoking and often playful sculptures and installations that engage with Māori and Pākehā cultural narratives. His work has significantly contributed to the development of contemporary art in New Zealand and has garnered international recognition. When researching artists, one might come across "te ururoa flavell biography of michael" in their search for information about Parekowhai's artistic contributions and background.