JIMMY JAMES KOURATORAS Catalogue 2024 WWW.ARTBYKOURATORAS.COM WWW.PRINTSBYJIMMYJAMESK.COM
The art of Jimmy James Kouratoras 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. Over the past decade I have drawn on my 25-year experience as a scenic artist for film. From that base I am focusing on exploring the indigenous sensory and storytelling spaces and practices that exist within me.
As I make works, I feel an increasingly strong connection to, and conversation with, my ancestors, and their inherent knowledge. As this grows, I am allowing myself to ‘let go’ and operate in a more spiritual realm. I am motivated by an interest in understanding how art can contribute to shared social consciousness and hauora (wellbeing). At the heart is my dual Māori and Greek cultural heritage (and the respective pantheons of gods). Living indigenous methodologies and practices, such as Māori karakia (prayer) rongoa (medicine), are central to my practice. Moving beyond the signs and symbols of identity, I find myself connecting to those who have guided me in the healing power of these practices. And thinking about my work in relation to them. Increasingly, the words of a karakia immediately trigger my intuitive mark-making and colour choices. And tell me when to stop. My hope is that these works will carry aspects of this calming, healing energy into your home. And that through this ‘conversation’, our shared values connect with others to contribute to echoes of deep and long-lasting positive change in the world. Nāku iti noa, nā, Jimmy James K.
HEI TIKI For Māori, the Hei Tiki symbol represents the human form and one's ancestors. Traditionally passed from parent to child it links the past, present and future. Hei tiki manifests itself in my work weaving messages from the divine, human experience and nature.
Acrylic and Resin on Canvas 120cm x 150cm $36.000
Hei Tiki Manawa This large Hei Tiki is all about the heart, the aroha, the love within us. There is lots of movement through the head, which anchors the Hei Tiki. It is painted as a heavy, sculptural shape that also carries the lightness of a twilight sky. Some green shades come out, showing the light within the pounamu (greenstone), the Māori gold, which has its own mauri (life force).
Acrylic and metal flake on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $18.000
Hei tiki Rongoa Hei Rongoa is part of the Hei Tiki Tūpuna collection inspired by the connection to ancestors and our relationship with the cosmos and the myriad of celestial bodies that continue to guide our journey. This painting draws upon our traditional medicinal knowledge and our connection ngā otaota (plants) and how this relationship continues to inspire, shape and guide us in our everyday lives.
Acrylic Paint, Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $18.000.00 Hei tiki- for the love of our Ancestors This painting brings the heavens, the earth, nature, and the human realm in close quarters with each other. The Sun and the Moon are right next to us, and our ancestors appear as elements of nature. Above this scene there is a stairway with angels that carry light all the way to the heavens, into another realm of ancestors and another layer of stars. This Hei Tiki contains elevation and expansion. One can see a man playing with the poi, as if spinning a planet in his hand, and controlling the elements around him and the myriad of celestial bodies that continue to guide our journey. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic Paint, Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas. Framed with negative detail and a dark waxed finished wood. 120cm x 150cm $27.000
Hei tiki- Tangi Aroha This painting was completed in March 2019 following the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. It meant a lot to me to mark that time with tears but also to show strength and resilience of the community who came together. The Hei Tiki is an iconic symbol used in Māori culture and continues to be an inspiration to me. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
HEI TIKI AROHA COLLECTION The Hei Tiki Aroha collection draws upon the themes of unconditional love, the highest vibrational form that invites all living things to come together in communion. Healing is a key element in this collection whether through invocation or prayer, through service and serving, or creating space to carve out intentional connection to our wairua and higher self.
Acrylic and Resin on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $18 000 Hei Tiki - Chakra This painting focuses on the power of chakras and the need for alignment and space. There is a fluidity and movement in this painting that connects to the constant vibration of energy and the importance of keeping centres open. This piece is available for viewing in the Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 91cm x 120cm $18,000
Hei Tiki Love Love Love In this painting, I explore my deep and ongoing loverelationship with nature and how this creates a sense of peace both within me but also in how I move through life. It also functions as a way-maker for peace and continues to grow a love for people and connection.
Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 91cm x 120cm $18,000
Hei Tiki This Is Love In this painting, I play with the traditional whakatauki, ‘although it is small, it is precious’ and draw attention to the most precious exchange of them all: LOVE. Here you will find all facets of this multi-dimensional experience, love written and love drawn and love painted, and it shines through with harmony, joy and peace. E iti noa ana,na te aroha A small ordinary thing, begotten by love.
Medium-Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $9,000
Karakia A Gift Of Love In this painting I invoke a karakia written by Dr. Rangimarie Pere. Interestingly, I had come upon this karakia in her book Te Wheke before I met her - and over time we grew to be great friends. This karakia has deeply influenced my thinking of the ways of wairua maori and te ao Māori by facilitating a pathway to explore abstract landscapes through prayer.
Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $14,000
Hei Tiki Urban Atua In this painting, I explore how location can be an illusion: no matter where we stand, upon the grassland floors or the grit of inner city concrete, we can always create a sacred space for ourselves and in doing so we can always be in conversation with our ancestors.
Acrylic and resin on canvas 72cm x 91cm $6,300 Hei Tiki Kahukura This painting draws upon the Māori concept of the violet flame, kahukura and the healing energy that accompanies this high vibration. The glowing mixture of pinks and purple and the vibrant eyes draw focus the need for vitality and our experience as inter-connected beings with all of the universe.
THE SILVER SCREEN Jimmy James Kouratoras has always been fascinated by the characters created on the silver screen, and of course, those who fill their shoes. From stars like Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the King of Fear himself Alfred Hitchcock, Kouratoras has created a fascinating series of portraits to explore the classic film makers, directors, actors and designers across a century. His collection is bold, vibrant and striking and has his trademark pop colours. During the process he remarked: “Creating this series has been inspiring. I have had the opportunity to reflect back some of the most faces famous from the film industry but also, I’ve been able to delve deeper into their history, their story, their psyche". The Silver Screen collection shines a light on Hollywood's timeless icons. From stars like Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to Bette Davis and Mary Pickford, this is a fascinating series of portraits to explore the classic film makers, directors, actors and designers across a century. The blue skin tones create an Avataresque species that gives these famous actors an ethereal personality and allows them to continue living in a vivid new way in the 21st century.
Let's talk about it -William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich Von Stroheim Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $12.000
Bette Davis Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
Looking at you Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
Irresistible Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
Breathless- Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
Hitchcock the Birds Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
TINY CREATURES The Hei Tiki Iti (Small Creations) collection is a series of detailed intimate works whose special features showcase a mixture of unique drawings and original paintings. The golden backgrounds offset these black, white and red hei tikis and firmly locate Te Ao Māori the dawn of a new age.
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500
Aroha ki te Aorangi This painting involves the first line of a karakia (prayer) and invites a stillness and meditation on these three powerful words - Love to the Universe.
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500
Aio ki te Aorangi This painting involves the first line of a karakia (prayer) and invites a stillness and meditation on these three powerful words - Love to the Universe.
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500
Pono ki te Aorangi This painting involves the second line of a karakia (prayer) and invites a stillness and meditation on these three powerful words - Love to the Universe.
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2,500
Koa ki te Aorangi The Tiny Creatures Collection is a series of paintings that are experiment with colour, font, language and the perceptions around what is Indigenous art. This painting invokes the third line of a karakia (prayer) and invites a stillness and meditation on these four powerful words Joy to the Universe.
VARIOUS WORKS 2020-2022
Acrylic, Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $9,000
Whanaungatanga Inspired by travels to Crete these artworks are influenced by the Cretan pottery, specifically large-scale urns and vases that were used to preserve olives, oil and other perishables These vessels are over 5000 years old and at least five feet high, often made of local and intricately decorated with patterns, stories and motifs of the time. Along with these were smaller vessels that were used in ceremony and various rituals to honour the Greek gods and elements of nature. In this painting, the distinct vessel which was primarily used for ceremonial purposes has been re-purposed to focus on how it functions as a vessel today holding memories, guidance, healing, sustenance and more. Inscribed with detailed drawings, this painting offers a glimpse into the unison of two different cosmologies.
Acrylic and metal flake with resin on canvas 90 cm x 120cm $9.000
Mana Atua Part of the ‘Ode to my Grecian Urn’ collection this painting pays homage to the artists’ Greek (Cretan) heritage. The urn depicts the Greek key as well as a Griffin, a mythological creature who was known for pulling Apollo’s chariot across the sky. Blended into the background a taniwha (Māori mythological creature) can be seen flanked by two kaitiaki (guardians). This painting epitomised the sacred resources and the earthen wares that were used to feed and fuel us in ancient times.
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 200cm x 200cm $90.000
The distance between us. This painting was underway at the height of the COVID19 pandemic when Aotearoa was under a Level 4 Lockdown. Developed during this period of isolation, the characters in this painting were originally part of a distinct cluster, but over time have morphed and changed until they became fragments of their former selves. Ironically, this time of physical separation brought deep connection (especially through virtual communities); however, behaviours on the street still reinforced a sense of fear and hostility towards other human beings. To explore this primal and protective human response is the underlining motivation of the artist. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000
Kanohi Wairua This painting is inspired by the tūpuna and the various faces of our ancestors. Specifically, the angles, colours and ta moko (facial marks) in this painting vibrate with the highest intention of healing for all peoples.
Acrylic, metal flake and resin on canvas 120cm x 152cm $27,000 The Tree of Life Drawing upon the archetypical Tree of Life that connects the heavens to the underworld this painting is an expression of various vibrating energies coming together in conversation. Different forms of relationships (such as familial ties) abound in this rich ecosystem that exposes the roots and invites the viewer to participate in new ways of seeing and experiencing connection. In Māori cosmology the birds are also messengers and carry our thoughts and prayers to the Ātua (the gods). The colours also showcase a distinctive palette from the ochre and brown tones of the gnarled root formations to the pink and then golden lights of the tree tops where different forms of flight are depicted.
Acrylic paint, Metal flake, Resin on Canvas 90cm x 180cm $27.000 Language of love Offerings of aroha (love) are brought from the spiritual plane to the earthly one by brown-skinned angels. These beings of light bring compassion to a world that constantly needs to be reminded to be kind. Beneath the angels a taniwha is formed coiled, carrying the wairua (spirit) of all living things and offering a way forward through a different world view. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic Paint, Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 180cm x 235cm $120,000
Putahi Wairua This painting is part of the Angels and Ancestors collection and brings a range of different and intense energies into conversation with each other. The invocation of traditional archetypes, especially those from the Greek Orthodox Church find themselves at intersecting pathways with Indigenous signs and symbols. In this way, two very different ontologies are given the space to create breath and balance. Far from being a religious painting, this surrealistic landscape brims with emotion, trust and an invitation to venture into the unknown.
This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Waka Taurapa Two parts of the original war canoe Te Winika were hidden away from British soldiers during the Maori Land wars. Te Winika the Famous war machine was cut loose from it morning after the battle of Rangnariri and drifted down river towards Port Waikato where it was later found. The prized Tauihu and the Taurapa were then buried in Totomoaka to preserve its mana and protect it from the British, who were out to destroy as may Māori waka as they could.
Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $9,000
Acrylic Paint Pumice Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 180cm x 235cm $9,000 Wakatoa Two parts of the original War canoe Te Winika were hidden away from British soldiers during the Maori Land wars. Te Winika the Famous war machine was cut loose from it mooring after the battle of rangnariri and drifted down river towards Port Waikato where it was later found. The prized Tauihu and the Taurapa were then buried in Totomoaka to preserve its mana and protect it from the British, who were out to destroy as may Māori waka as they could. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic paint, Metal flake, Resin on Canvas 180cm x 230cm $120,000
Te Waka o te Wairua Angels and ancestors collide to create an intermediary space where humans are both fascinated and attracted to different worlds and their cosmologies - one Orthodox Christian, the other deeply Indigenous. This work embraces the notion of using 'whakapapa' (genealogy) as a technique to layer various images, icons and symbols to create a cohesive narrative. Specifically, the large hei tiki which dominates the left hand-side of the painting is studded with intimate family portraits in its belly, and then as your gaze moves upwards you can see constellations and ancestral pathways that take you right up the very open, conscious, and bright red eyes. These windows to the soul symbolize a universe inside a universe. On the right hand-side, the archangel I've created is inspired by the 13th century frescoes in churches in Crete (which is where I'm from) and laced with gold, magenta and blue. These colours share the opulence of the vestries. The angel also has many swallows that we often see around these old monasteries which are now revered as cultural sites of historical significance. This piece is available for viewing at the Park Hyatt Hotel
Acrylic and Resin on Canvas. Framed in a black wood negative detail finish. 90cm x 150cm $18,000
He Taonga Toku Iho Part of the ‘Ode to my Grecian Urn’ collection this painting pays homage to the artists’ Greek (Cretan) heritage. This painting is inspired by a kyathos, a Greek vase for wine mixing). The bright colours also evoke the chakras and the desire to be in communion with higher vibrations and a greater good. The writing in the background is taken from Dr. Rose Pere’s book Te Wheke (used with her permission) to evoke the need to be in balance with the gifts of our physical and divine selves.
Acrylic, Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $9,000
Whanaungatanga Inspired by travels to Crete these artworks are influenced by the Cretan pottery, specifically large-scale urns and vases that were used to preserve olives, oil and other perishables These vessels are over 5000 years old and at least five feet high, often made of local and intricately decorated with patterns, stories and motifs of the time. Along with these were smaller vessels that were used in ceremony and various rituals to honour the Greek gods and elements of nature. In this painting, the distinct vessel which was primarily used for ceremonial purposes has been re-purposed to focus on how it functions as a vessel today holding memories, guidance, healing, sustenance and more. Inscribed with detailed drawings, this painting offers a glimpse into the unison of two different cosmologies.
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 91 cm X 150 cm $27,000
Powhiri o Nga Whetu Our place amongst the stars within the wider universe is exceptionally precious. We are descendants of ancient peoples, tribes and cultures. We travel on our mother's back, Papatuanuku, cradled by our Father Sky Ranginui and as the sun turns away and the moon rises, we are gathered into a covenant that precedes the art of navigation. The stars, our ancestors, lean into our present to remind us of their presence and to guide us in the unfolding of a celestial plan.
Print on archival paper Black Frame and UV Glass 120cm x 140cm $4.500 Maumahara (Signed print on archival paper) A pou (traditional Māori totem poles) begins to speak in the language of the sun. Brightly coloured rakau (Cuisenaire rods) spill from his mouth revealing stories and patterns through language. Two world entwine, memories of a drought that left the earth barren, and a new resurgence with vibrant and contemporary narratives yet to be shared.
Wood Base soft Stone Acrylic Paint and Resin on Canvas 50cm h x 30cm w x 20cmd $9,000 Star navigator This ancestral figure reflects the celestial colours of the southern night sky and shows him as a way finder guided by the dots of lights printed on the dark night skies. In Māori culture, Tohunga could read the star maps and chartered the heavens to navigate the open highways of our Pacific Ocean. Further, karakia was used to keep the faith and heart strong and to please the gods especially Tangaroa (God of the Sea) and Tawhirimatea (God of the Winds). All these elements are reflected in this sculpture and he is named after one of the very first navigators to Aotearoa.
Sculpture in Soft stone with Acrylic and resin finish 25cm w x 54cm h x 7cm d $6.300
Nga Whetu Nga Whetu is a three-dimenesional painting that captures the energies of our unseen universe through the form of Hei Tiki and symbols of the universal flower. Hei Tiki is the first creation in Maori culture and the universal flower pattern is a sacred symbol for life and its infinite bond.
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