Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18 February 2013
Saatchi Gallery presents Jimmy James Kouratoras
Renowned New Zealand artist Jimmy James Kouratoras is exhibiting his first solo show free-of-charge at the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery in Auckland from this Friday (22 February, 2013).
Kouratoras is the next in a line-up of unique exhibitions at Saatchi & Saatchi’s “not your ordinary gallery,” which opened last year as a creative hub to inspire staff and the public with
interesting art and events.
A key inspiration behind Kouratoras’ paintings is the pou; the post that supports the mana and architecture of the
Wharenui – the traditional Maori meeting house. Carved from native trees to represent the main ancestors of Maori
people, the pou has many other rich layers of meaning, including the space between light and dark, a boundary marker, a
fighting weapon and a way of denoting places of importance and reverence. The pou gives natural direction and guidance
to living a life conducted by kotahitanga (unity).
Kouratoras uses the pou as a symbolic expression of people, and the energy that transfers between them and grows within
themselves.
“Representing energy is what’s behind the work,” he says. Kouratoras’ art also explores the relationship that exists
between mauri, the life force which exists in everything, and waiora, meaning health or soundness.
“I hope people that come to see my show are overwhelmed with the colour – I want them to be totally punched out,” says
Kouratoras. “I’d like them to feel a lot of emotion and attach themselves to a painting.”
The Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery is the brainchild of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand Executive Creative Director Antonio Navas.
“Fresh and innovative ideas can only come from inspired minds so I wanted to create an inspirational place at the centre
of the agency where our team is exposed to an ongoing stream of ideas from artists, performers and thinkers,” says
Navas.
The gallery is reflective of the creative initiatives that Navas has been distilling through the agency since his
appointment in April 2011.
“Our new creative process involves a deeper study of where art, humanity and sensibility collide within the context of
the world we’re living in. This requires a collective spirit and an open learning environment to produce great ideas and
opportunities.”
Where: Level 3, Saatchi & Saatchi Building. 123 The Strand, Parnell
When: 22 February – 28 March 2013
Open: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday (weekend appointments available on request)
Cost: Free
Ends
Note to editors:
About the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery
Designed as a space where both staff, clients and visitors can enjoy established artists as well as a much-needed
facility for up and coming artists to exhibit their work, the Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is operated as a not-for-profit facility with free exhibition space,
open to all.
A concept developed by Executive Creative Director of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand, Antonio Navas this “creative hub” was one of his first moves when he took up the position in May
2011. Antonio and his team are now programming a series of exhibitions and events showcasing local and international
artists, thinkers and entrepreneurs.