Michael Parekowhai has been picked to represent New Zealand in the 2011 Biennale, a selection that the countrys National Business Review declared the most appropriate [decision] that has been made in recent years.
Parekowhai received the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award in 2001 and works as an associate professor at Auckland Universitys Elam School of Fine Arts. His sculptures are often made from found objects previous works have involved a Volkswagen van and a grand piano which he alters to comic effect.
Michael Parekowhai was born in Porirua (1968) of Ngati Whakarongo and Pakeha descent. He has an extensive exhibition history with work in most major private and public collections in New Zealand and Australia as well as overseas.
The National Business Review has a great article on this announcement.
- Click here to learn more about the Venice Biennale
