About Laken Whitecliffe

My Name is Laken George Tewhiwhi Whitecliffe. I am a New Zealand Artist of Maori descent, Ko Te Arawa te Iwi, Ko Ngati Pikiao te Hapu. I also have ancestors on both sides of my family, who migrated to New Zealand from throughout Europe. I embrace both my European and Maori heritage, and this multicultural background influences my art and life in more ways than one.

My late father Greg Whitecliffe (Kerehi Tikihana Pararaki Wikiriwhi) was an accomplished artist and educator until he passed away in 2001. He is my major inspiration for studying fine arts, especially with a household covered in artwork. The constant presence of his legacy in Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a key component to my growth as an artist. I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts from, Montclair State University in New Jersey, United States in 2014, graduating with High Honours and an award for painting.

MURAL / PUBLIC ART

I have a vision to turn Auckland City into a living art gallery, unchaining art from the confines of galleries and making it more widely accessible and interactive to the public. I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by artwork, which has given me a respect for the importance of its role in exploring morals, philosophy, mental health and how we navigate the emotions involved with everyday life. Art can do more than make a dark space bright, it offers the opportunity to explore the complexities of life that can’t be distilled into words. I draw strength from my family Crest’s Moto “Ars Vita Est -Art is life” as I pursue my goals.

Auckland’s street art scene is seriously lacking compared to the countries I have worked in, or even other cities in New Zealand. Tamaki Makaurau is where I was born and brought up, it’s also NZ’s biggest canvas. I know my goal is ambitious but I believe it’s not too farfetched. During my studies in the United States I worked extensively on how cities like Philadelphia changed their approach towards public art. Auckland spends millions painting over street art, arresting youths caught painting and not funding or encouraging/funding enough large scale murals, or providing pathways for people to learn from Master artists. Philadelphia, Melbourne and many other cities have worked towards changing their outlook on public art in the street and this has contributed towards economic growth. People are more likely to shop, eat or walk around the city if it’s covered in art, not to mention art tourism and a sense of greater pride in a city that explores the colour and diversity of its nation in the form of artistic storytelling. If you believe in my vision and want to help me in anyway, don’t hesitate to get in contact with me.

When I was painting at a School, a kid asked “Sir, how do you do that?!” I replied in a whisper ”don’t tell anyone but I’m actually a wizard “. He smiled and ran off to class, retuning later with his mates, who he thought should know as well. They asked again but wanted more, so I gave the truth, “almost every day of my life, since I was around your age, I would sit down and draw or paint, now I can do this.” I returned after completing the mural and a teacher who saw that exchange, told me that those kids sit by my mural and draw or paint almost everyday. Painting to inspire the next generation is truly a joy. To quote Tupac “I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will”.

More About me:

I transferred to Montclair State University after completing two years of the Bachelor of Fine Arts at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design. Montclair is a short train ride from New York exposed me to one of the most vibrant art scenes in the world. While studying, I got to work with some incredible artists, like Julie Heffernan, Seung Mo Park and leading New Zealand artist, Max Gimblett at his studio in The Bowery. After completing my bachelors.

I stayed on in the USA, living and working in Brooklyn New York. I have exhibited my studio work in New jersey, New York, Boston, and Auckland New Zealand. My artwork has many varied styles and subject matter including many sculptural elements with Whakiaro, (Maori Wood Carving) often fused into the painting or framing it. Travel has influenced my work immensely. After my time in America, I set out for 2 years backpacking my way around the world, making public Murals on every inhabited continent. This part of my art practice has given me the chance to see the world and connect with the communities and people I have met along the way.