CONTEMPORARY MAORI ART CARVER OF NEW ZEALAND
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James grew up in Maketu on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. His Mother is of Nga Puhi, Ngati Hine, from Pipiwai in Northland. Separating from his Pakeha Father, while pregnant with James, James’s Mother moved to Maketu, met and married his Stepfather (Dad) who is of Te Arawa, Ngati Makino. At the age of 12 James learnt to Surf at Maketu & since then Surfing and the ocean in general have featured predominantly in James’s life. In 1991 James spent 2 years in prison where he learnt to carve taking his mind off the waves. James started out carving traditional Maori Art & Surf icons, creating many trophies for New Zealand Surf competitions. Since then his Art has evolved into an eclectic mix of both. James’s ideas are greatly influenced by his strong affinity with the ocean & the forms & symbology borrowed from his Ancestors. James has been working solely as a carver since 2004 and stocks eleven Art Galleries in New Zealand. He is regularly invited to exhibit with others & his Art works are held in international private collections. EXHIBITIONS
2018 The Christchurch Art Show, Christchurch. Afordable Art Fair, Hong Kong. 2017 4 Art Sake Gallery, Ohope. Solo Art Exhibition, Dry Dock, Tauranga. 2016 The Christchurch Art Show, Christchurch. 2015 Solo Art Exhibition, Dry Dock, Tauranga. The Cargo Shed, Tauranga The Christchurch Art Show, Christchurch. 2014 Bethlehem Collage Art exhibition, The Cargo Shed, Tauranga. 2013 Rotorua Museum Art Awards Exhibition, Rotorua. 2011 ‘Waka Maori’ RWC, Auckland Water Front. Bethlehem Collage Art exhibition, Tauranga. 2010 'Miles Art Award' at the Tauranga Art Gallery. Bethlehem Collage Art exhibition, Tauranga. 2008 Mazda Art Works at the Hilton Hotel, Auckland 2006 Mazda Art Works at the Hilton Hotel, Auckland 2005 The Toi Maori Art Exhibition 'Te Tau Ranga'; The Gathering, the Coming Together', Tauranga. Montana Jazz Festival Art Exhibition, Tauranga. 2004 Montana Jazz Festival Art Exhibition, Tauranga. ‘Rangiãtea’ (seeds of Maori) at The Depo Art Space, Devonport, Auckland. 2004 ‘Children of Tangaroa’ at The Artspost in Hamilton ‘The James Henry Atutahi Experience’ at Zohar in Mount Maunganui. |
