Pēkere Fruean & Darcy Nicholas

“I grew up living between Wainuiomata and Waitara. When I finished high school in 2019, I moved to Australia and that’s where I began creating. Verbal communication has never been my strong suit, but art has helped me find my voice. It’s allowed me to express things that I usually cannot find the words for. I find myself being influenced by every single moment that I exist within - whether consciously or subconsciously”

– Pēkere Fruean

“Pēkere is an exciting creative artist. She is self-taught and her art is her own unique vision. She is a very special emerging artist, and I am privileged to be sharing this first exhibition with her” 

- Darcy Nicholas

Darcy Nicholas has been part of the contemporary Māori art movement since the mid 1960’s. During this time, he has exhibited throughout New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Canada, Africa, India, and Europe, as well as directing major touring shows representing Māori Art to other parts of the world. In 2005 he was awarded the Absolutely Creative Wellington Award. In 2010 he was awarded a QSO for his contributions to Museums and in 2013 presented the Te Atairangikaahu Supreme award for his lifetime contributions to Māori Art. In 2023, he was awarded with the Tauranga Moana Ngā Tohu Toi Icon Award for his enduring artistic contribution.

“This series of my artworks is about the richness of my Māori culture as learned from my elders and the many great contemporary Māori and international artists whom I have worked with over many years. At the same time, I embrace the world of my English, Scottish, Irish, French, and other cultures of the world who continue to influence my art”

– Darcy Nicholas

Download a copy of the list of works here.