jimmy james kouratoras

Rongoa "Medicine," Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 39", $5,000

The Maori word for medicine referring to all things that can heal a person

Tane Mahuta "God of the Forests," Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 39", SOLD

Tane Mahuta is the God of the forest who brought light into the world by separating his Parents Ranginui Sky father and Papatuanuku Earth Mother

Korua "Two," Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 39", $5,000

Following the creation of light and space Tane Mahuta (God of the Forest) created his own children the birds

Te Kotahitanga "The 1st People," Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 39", SOLD

What is the most important thing in the world, it is the people the people the people

Piwaiwaka "Fantail," Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 39", SOLD

The birth of the fantail

Walk in the Park, Acrylic on Canvas, 29" x 29" SOLD

'Karanga Atu' Sing Out, Mixed Media on Paper, 45" x 45"

'Ruaumoko Dream,' Mixed Media on Paper, 45" x 45"

Ihi Wana Wehi, Mixed Media on Paper, 45" x 45"

An artist of Greek and indigenous Maori decent, Jimmy James Kouratoras speaks to the dual-consciousness that mixed heritage entails in society today. Influenced by the Wairua memory and consciousness of the Maori people, his work sets its anchor in indigenous beliefs established around Atua and a connection to Papatuanuku, mother earth.

The physical technique of layering acrylic paints, resins, pigments and glazes mirrors Whakapapa, the layering of earth and genealogies, an integral process to his work. This sense of knowing and wisdom emanates through bright colour and contrasting elements, which Kouratoras says, puts us constantly on the edge of time and discovery.

His work is in the collections of Sir Harawira Tiri Gardiner, WESTPAC Bank CEO David Mclean, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, Nicky Bell, in New Zealands Executive Wing of Parliamentary offices, London based Asher Law Firm, and his work has been commissioned by ASB Bank for Starship Hospital. Kouratoras’ will be exhibiting work at the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art in November 2015 at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).