About Laken Whitecliffe

Laken George Tewhiwhi Pararaki Wikiriwhi Whitecliffe, more commonly known as Laken Whitecliffe was Born in 1991. He is a New Zealand Artist of Maori descent, Ko Te Arawa te Iwi, Ko Ngati Pikiao te Hapu. He also has ancestors on both sides of his family, who migrated to New Zealand from throughout Europe. He embraces both his European and Maori heritage, and this multicultural background influences his art and life in more ways than one.

His late father Greg Whitecliffe (Kerehi Tikihana Pararaki Wikiriwhi) was an accomplished artist and educator until he passed away in 2001. He is Laken’s major inspiration for studying fine arts, The constant presence of his legacy in founding Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a key component to his growth as an artist.

Eduction:

-1995-2008- Whitecliffe College of Arts and design, Grafton, Auckland, School Holiday Arts Classes and private tutoring in: - Painting, Anatomical & Figurative Drawing, Colour theory, screen-printing, Woodcut Printmaking, Etching & lithography with Senior Lecturer John Horner - Street Art, painting and illustration with then Masters student and later Lecturer Matt Dowmen -Whakairo Maori wood carving with Master Carver Chaz Doherty - Film Photography tutoring with Chair of Film & photography program and director of Masters program Julie Linowes. With further tutoring from co-founder and College president Michele Whitecliffe  - Expressive painting, Still life painting, Analytical drawing, Clay, plaster and mix media sculpture, Design and composition analysis, Toi Maori painting and Whakairo Maori wood, bone & stone carving from College Co-founder and president Kerehi Tikihana Pararaki Wikiriwhi also know as Professor Greg Whitecliffe -Annual Assistant volunteer at Pearce Gallery for lectures/exhibitions from visiting renowned International Guest lectures and Student BFA/MFA finals Exhibitions

2002-2024- Extensive experience with The Whitecliffe Art Collection, Art Collection Management, Value appraisals, Documentation, Repair & Restoration, Transport, Artwork analysis, Cataloguing, Archival methodology, Artist identification Analysis for Unknown works, Fragile Art Storage apparatus construction and maintenance. -2008-2012- - Mentorship in Conceptual Art Theory, Art History, Modern Art analysis, Exhibition Curation and Critique with Senior Lecturer Henry Symonds & Noel Ivenhoff  

-2010-2011- Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, Parnell, Auckland NZ

- Bachelor of Fine Arts Certificate Diploma

-2011-2014- Montclair State University, New Jersey USA

-  Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree 

-Graduating Magna Cum Laude (High Honours) Majoring with Excellence in painting and Sculpture

-2013-204-Painting mentor & Studio Assistant internship with MFA Head lecturer and internationally renowned American Artist Julie Heffernan. -2014-Mentorship from BFA Head lecturer & internationally renowned American Artist Josh Jordan  -2014-Mentorship in Sculpture & Art installations with lecturer and internationally renowned South Korean Ceramics Artist Jae yong Kim & BFA lecturer and American Miniature sculptural Artist Owen Oertling -2013-2015- Student internship and studio assistant for internationally renowned New Zealand/New York Artist Max Gimblett -2015- Art assistant for internationally renowned South Korean Artist Seung Mo Park  -2015- Art Assistant for internationally renowned Brooklyn/London Artist Giovanni Forlino -2015- Art Assistant for internationally renowned New York Artist Matt Jones  

MURAL’S & PUBLIC ART PASSION

“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 “Toi He Ora - 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 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 a mural at a Auckland 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”. It’s my honour to be the kaitaki of Te Whare Takiura o Wikiriwhi and continue the legacy my father established in Aotearoa New Zealand.