NZ names 2011 Venice Biennale artist

White elephants in glass cases, extra-large stuffed rabbits, guitars and oversized pick-up sticks have all featured in New Zealand sculptor Michael Parekowhai’s artwork.

His dynamic, larger-than-life pieces and quirky Kiwi sense of humour saw Parekowhai invited this week to represent New Zealand in the 2011 Venice Biennale - the world’s oldest and most prestigious visual art exhibition.

Parekowhai is now in the early stages of developing a proposal of his Biennale project for Creative New Zealand - the national arts council - to support.

Venice Biennale Commissioner Jenny Harper said Parekowhai is at an ideal stage of his career to take on the challenges of the Biennale.

"Michael’s work is topical and polished and he can be relied on to create a sense of drama and surprise."

Off-beat art
Michael Parekowhai’s work is a social commentary on everyday life and objects. In the past, he has even been known to use family members - like his brother working the graveyard shift at the local Burger King - as inspiration.

Some of his quirkier pieces are nostalgic - such as a close-up photo of an old-fashioned stuffed rabbit. Others, like real mannequins with a brown face wearing a black tie and standing in a white cube, are musings on social stereotyping.

Although all his pieces carry serious messages, Parekowhai knows the importance of capturing the audience’s attention in the first place.

"Humour’s a really important part of everyday life, especially with art. You gotta make them smile before you make them think."

Artist’s background
Michael Parekowhai, who is of both New Zealand Māori and European descent, was born in Porirua, just north of Wellington and has a quirky sense of humour that shows through in his art.

He is an associate professor at the highly-regarded Auckland University Elam School of Fine Arts and has exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand.

Venice Biennale
The Venice Biennale is a major world contemporary visual art showcase which takes place every two years in Venice, Italy.

The first Biennale was held in 1895 and the event is based around the Giardini Park.

New Zealand sent two leading Kiwi artists to the 2009 Biennale - sculptor Francis Upritchard and painter Judy Millar.

Millar, considered one of New Zealand’s foremost artists, was awarded a visual arts residency in New York in late 2009. The residency is a biennial opportunity, first offered to established New Zealand artists in 2000, and is hosted by the New York International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP).