IAN GEORGE

 Ian George, 'Blue Tangaroa'
Blue Tangaroa

Ian George is a New Zealand born Cook Islands artist of Rarotonga and Atiu descent. He moved with his partner, artist Kay George, to Rarotonga to explore the home islands of his parents and understand their upbringing and ultimately their reasons for leaving for New Zealand. The Georges established The Art Studio Gallery, in the village of Aorangi, which is today recognised as one of the leading galleries in the Pacific.

George works primarily in acrylic on canvas and board. Cook Islands themes that move from the pre missionary to the present political landscape, typify his work. He often explores totems that draw on Oceanic elements that contribute to shamanic figures appearing in the artwork. Words are added to give clues to the narrative or deliberately posing the ambiguous that can mislead. Ian also works in wood and stone, sculpting totems that act as guardians for specific spaces.

 

 Ian George, 'Itimanukau'

 Itimanukau, 2m X 1m, acrylic on canvas

Acknowledged as both a prominent Pacific artist and art educator, Ian has regularly moved between New Zealand and Rarotonga. In 1988, he shifted to Rarotonga and worked at the national college to reestablish the art department. Over the next 7 years the Georges established their studio and gallery. From 1995 -2002 Ian returned to New Zealand to head the art department at Hillary College in Otara, South Auckland. He returned to the island of Rarotonga in 2002 to take up the position of Visual Arts Adviser for the Ministry of Education and lecturer at the Cook Islands Teachers Training College.

 Ian George, ' A safe journey''
 A safe journey

Ian has participating in workshops and exhibitions in New Zealand, Rarotonga, Australia, New Caledonia and London. In 1998, he curated Paringa Ou (Cook Island Museum, National Museum in Fiji and Fisher Gallery, Auckland) the first major exhibition of contemporary art by Cook Island artists residing in New Zealand to travel to the Cook Islands. George also co curated Te Ata Ou (2003) which was a response to Paringa Ou. Te Ata Ou traveled to Christchurch to be part of the PAA Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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