Jimmy James Kouratoras (Crete, Ngati Tiipa,Tainui) never went to art school but as one of Aotearoa’s leading contemporary visual artists, he is a pioneer of passion, not parameters.

 

The son of a Greek father and a Māori mother, Kouratoras’ artworks offer cosmic explorations of life, family, land and wairua. Celebrated for his bold use of colour, deep connection to culture and vibrant pop art aesthetic, his art forms include paintings, sculpture, prints and digital artworks.

 

Kouratoras’ trajectory includes two decades in the film industry as a scenic artist and twelve years as a solo artist featured in national and international exhibitions. During this time he has developed a distinctive body of work that is committed to exploring Indigenous storytelling practices through colour, texture and whakapapa.

 

His portfolio includes international exhibitions in Melbourne, Los Angeles, New York, Beijing and Chengdu and his works can be found in private collections across Europe, the United States and Asia. Kouratoras was also part of the landmark Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art Exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery.