WWW.ARTBYKOURATORAS.COM [Eklektikos] (meaning "selective") is a Greek word stemming from the verb eklegein, "to select." This exhibition features selected works from different collections that hold special significance to the artist T A E K L E K T I K O S by Jimmy James Kouratoras CATALOGUE
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).
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
The art of Jimmy J
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. 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.
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, metal flake and resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2.500.00 Hei Tiki Whāriki This painting talks about weaving and the interconnections held by invisible, yet unescapable threads. Like the strands in the whāriki (traditional woven mat) we are all part of a larger pattern and are only strong when we come together.
Acrylic Paint and metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 20cm x 30cm $2.500.00 Hei Tiki Papatuanuku The golden backgrounds offset these black, white and red hei tikis and firmly locate Te Ao Māori the dawn of a new age. In this painting the close portraits focus on Paptuanuku, Mother Earth, and all her that she cares for her in her realm.
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 20cm x 30cm $2.500.00 Hei Tiki Urban Nights This painting focuses on the Indigenous urban experience, the notion of displacement from urban centres as gentrification and cost so of living have increased and the deep, ongoing and unwrenchable connection Māori have to the centre of community, the loci of ceremony, exchange and community.
Acrylic, metal flake and resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2.500.00 Hei Tiki Piripi This painting is an acknowledgement of the changes taking place in the skies with the rise of seven sisters and the dawn of a New Year celebrating a shift to the Maramataka way of being.
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 $2500.00
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 $2500.00
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 $2500.00
Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500.00 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.
Aroha Aroha brings together text and colour through whakapapa, texture and form. Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500.00
Iti Love In this work, Iti love, the word for love has been deliberately not translated into Aroha and is a reclamation of how speakers of reo Māori are orators in multiple languages. Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500.00
Pono In this work, Pono, translated to Truth calls upon the need for us to be accountable to our true selves and explore what authenticity and vulnerability can look like in our world today that is full of shadows and facades Acrylic and Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 23cm x 30cm $2500.00
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 Avatar esque 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 Medium-Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $12.000.00
Looking at you Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00 Irresistible Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00
Bette Davis Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00 Mary Pickford Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00
Breathless Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00 Hitchcock the Birds Acrylic and Resin on canvas 120cm x 120cm $9.000.00
VARIOUS WORKS 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 2
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.
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 200cm x 200cm $125.000.00 Covid the distance between you and me
Acrylic and resin on canvas 72cm x 91cm $6300.00 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 vitaity and our experience as inter connected beings with all of the universe.
Acrylic and Resin on Canvas 91cm x 120cm $18 000.00 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 Resin on Canvas 120cm x 150cm $36.000.00 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 Resin on Canvas Framed in a black wood negative detail finish 90cm x 150cm $27,000 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 mixin) 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 unision of two different cosmologies
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 metal flake with resin on canvas 90 cm x 120cm $9.000.00
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 120cm x 120cm $18.000.00 Waikato Te Awa This painting is a one off original that depicts the taniwha that lives in each bend of Waikato river ( He piko, he taniwha). Connecting into the specific Tainui ontology and the rich cultural and historical significance of these lands, this painting is a distinctive blend of Indigenous mythology and historical experience.
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 120cm x 120cm $18.000.00 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 paint, Metal flake, Resin on Canvas 90cm x 180cm $33.000.00 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.
Acrylic and Resin on Canvas Size $6.300.00 Kupe's Waka Kupe's Waka is a dream time painting depicting the vast Pacific ocean navigated by our ancestors below the highway of stars.
Medium Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $18,000.00 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.
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Acrylic
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. Paint and Metal Flake Resin Canvas 180cm 235cm
Putahi wairua
on
$180,000.00
and
Arcylic Paint Pumice Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 180cm x 235cm $9,000.00
Arcylic Paint Pumice Metal Flake and Resin on Canvas 180cm x 235cm $9,000.00
Two parts of the original War canoe Te winika were hiden away from British soldiers during the Maori Land wars. Te Winika the Famous war machine was cut loose from it moring 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 maori waka as they could.
Te Winika Tauihu Totomoaka
Throughout the history of civilisation rivers and seas have often helped shape the identity of its people and those that occupy its banks and shores In this painting the war canoe Te winika is seen in its essence: a war machine that now sits proudly in the waikato museum Its reputation and wairua live on amongst the people of Tainui
Te Winika
Te Winika Te Taurapa Totomoaka
Two parts of the original War canoe Te winika were hiden 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.
Medium Acrylic and metal flake with matt finish on canvas 76cm x 110cm $9,000.00
Acrylic Paint on Canvas 150cm Diameter $33.000.00
Each painting in this collection reflects a stage in our history and embraces the opportunity to move beyond binary responses to Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Across all three paintings skulls feature. These are both our ancestors, our Kaitiaki who continue to safeguard us and our precious resources. The skulls also bring to the forefront the disease and decimation that was brought to this land and continues today in times of COVID.
Te Puaha Aotearoa is an island and so is the land of my father, Crete. In this painting I bring the different salt together, the migrant sweat and toil as well as the tears of tangata whenua. This simultaneously, anchors me into the salt waters of the past, present and future. Ika As the last painting of this series, Ika depicts the sacredness of nature. The motif of the skull is repeated here to represent our ancestors, as kaitiaki who continue to safeguard us and the precious resources of our land and our moana.
My whakapapa stretches across the breath of the Waikato river. My Tūpuna Ngati Tiipa is the son of Ngati Paoa, a close familial relationship that has continued to draw me back to the island of Waiheke time and time again, to the whenua but also its surrounding waters.
Waka Nui This painting explores my deeply personal relationship with the Moana and its Mana and Atua Mauri, Tangaroa.
More than two worlds series
Acrylic paint, Metal flake, Resin on Canvas 180cm x 230cm $135,000
The Meeting Place of Spirits Putahi 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' (genealology) 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.
Acrylic and resin on Canvas 91 cm X 150 cm $33,000 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.
Giclee Print on Archival Paper Black Frame and Uv Glass 120cm x 140cm $4.500.00 Maumahara 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
Star navigator
Wood Base soft Stone Acrylic Paint and Resin on Canvas 50cm h x 30cm w x 20cm d $9,000
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 6.300.00 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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