The art of Jimmy Jam

Ko Puke O Tahinga te Maunga

Ko Waikato te Awa

Ko Tainui te Iwi

Ko Ngāti Tiipa te Hapu

Ko Te Kotahitanga te Marae

Ko Jimmy James Kouratoras ahau

Kia ora!

My name is Jimmy James Kouratoras and I'm a contemporary visual artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. My focus over the past decade has been to draw upon the experience of my 18-year-long film career as a scenic artist and use this to develop a broad storytelling palette.

My works today reflects my strong Indigenous connection and also the inherent knowledge of my ancestors. My paintings draw upon how my cultural heritage (and their respective pantheon of gods) enhance the spiritual facets of my work and actively contribute to a shared social consciousness that emanates through all my works.

I choose living Indigenous methodologies and practices to inspire and guide my practice, such as Creation Stories from the beginning of time to karakia (prayer) rongoa (natural plant medicine) and carving, the colloquial form and texture of Indigenous architecture. In drawing upon these traditional resources in combination with modern materials, my deep intention is to offer healing to those who view my art. My works are seen as contemporary artworks that are in conversation with our current socio-political concerns, as well as with our tupuna (ancestors).

I believe that my works have a life and energy and carry values that resonate with a commitment to create deep and long-lasting change in the world and in our collective higher consciousness.

Nāku iti noa, nā, Jimmy James K.