MICHAEL PAREKOWHAI

 

b.1968, Porirua, New Zealand
Lives and works in Auckland, New Zealand

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, 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 invite a wide variety of interpretations. Parekowhai was represented in the 'Third Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art' in 1999 by his acclaimed ‘Ten guitars’ series.

Michael Parekowhai’s work has been exhibited internationally since the early 1990s. Major exhibitions include '(The World May Be) Fantastic: Biennale of Sydney 2002'; ‘Remember New Zealand: 26th Sao Paulo Biennial 2004', Brazil; ‘A Grain of Dust, A Drop of Water: 5th Gwangju Biennale 2004', Korea; and ‘High Tide: Currents in Contemporary New Zealand and Australian Art’, Zacheta National Gallery of Art, Warsaw, Poland, in 2006.

Gallery 4, QAG  / Gallery 1.2, GoMA

A full-colour publication is available from the Gallery Store.

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MICHAEL PAREKOWHAI
Acts II 1994
Purchased 2004. The Queensland Government’s Gallery of Modern Art Acquisitions Fund.
Collection: Queensland Art Gallery