Kia ora! I’m Josh Kiwikiwi, a self-taught artist from Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand. As I reflect on my journey, it feels only fitting to share my story—the influences that shaped me, the challenges I’ve faced, and the joy I’ve found in embracing my passion for art.
Whakapapa
Firstly who I am is my whakapapa;
Ko Moetonga te maunga
Ko Māhuhu-ki-te-rangi me Ngātokimatawhaorua ngā waka
Ko Maumahara ki nga hoia me Parawhenua ngā marae
Ko Ngāti Manu me Te Kapotai ngā hapū
Ko Ngātiwai, Ngāti Hine me Ngāpuhi hoki ngā iwi
Ko Joshua Kiwikiwi tōku Ingoa
Nō Whangārei ahau
My Dad whakapapa’s to Te Kapotai, Ngātiwai and Ngāpuhi - but also to Taranaki, of which we know little about, but is something I’m going to learn more about on my tikanga & Te Reo Māori journey.
My mum whakapapa’s to Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hine and Ngāpuhi oh her mothers side as well as Ngāti Toa on her father’s lineage. I’m very proud of my whakapapa to Chief Kiwikiwi and the many stories that come with my last name. I’m also proud to be a direct decedent of Kupe through Chief Pōmare on my mother’s side.
Early Influences and Family Background
I come from a unique background that has played a significant role in my artistic development. Growing up, my siblings and I were raised as Jehovah's Witnesses. My mum is a devoted Christian and has always been a hard worker while raising four kids from the age of 17. She wasn't raised in or around te ao Māori; however, she has a love for her people and culture but has a different belief system. On the other hand, Dad, a military man and & police officer, has always been more secular. He spent much of my childhood working in Iraq during the war and then in Yemen, protecting ships from pirates. Despite his rigorous profession, he grew up on the marae in Ngaiotonga, southeast of the Bay of Islands, where my heart feels at home.
My upbringing was protective, with my parents keeping a close watch over us. Like many families, we struggled at times. However, they filled our lives with love, guidance, and strong moral values, as well as discipline. This balance between my mother’s religious dedication and my father’s practical wisdom offered me a broad perspective on life, though my siblings may disagree. I am the youngest of four children, so my perspective is always a bit different from theirs. While I almost followed my mother’s path in my early twenties, drawn to spiritual things, I eventually discovered my own unique way of expressing myself through art.
The Art Seed is Planted
Art has always been a part of my life. I remember being that kid who couldn’t stop creating—whether doodling on paper or crafting makeshift props from whatever I could find around the house. My grandmother (I had three, but that’s for another story), a landscape artist, deeply influenced me. I still cherish the memories of her exhibitions, and while we never got to talk about art as adults, her legacy ignited a spark in me.
My mother also played a pivotal role in nurturing my creativity. She would often dabble in painting, and I’d watch her with admiration, eager to try it myself. While I spent countless hours immersed in LEGO, constructing intricate designs, I realised that my creativity extended far beyond those colourful bricks.
Despite my creative inclinations, I faced academic challenges throughout my schooling. Art became my refuge, a place where I flourished when traditional subjects felt overwhelming. My high school art teachers recognised my potential, supporting me when I struggled with other subjects. Their encouragement pushed me to explore art further, leading me to pursue a diploma in sculpting and special effects makeup. Returning home from my studies, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years. This marked the beginning of my journey to find my own style—something no teacher could define for me. It was a turning point that opened up a world of possibilities.
Early achievements
My artistic journey has been a tapestry woven with various influences and styles. I experiment with oils, acrylics, airbrushing, and digital mediums, constantly seeking to find my voice within art. One of my proudest achievements is the ongoing series "The Wāhine in Gold," which honours my Māori and Pacifica heritage. This body of work has received recognition, even earning a spot among the top 50 Māori-made products in Aotearoa.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, I was invited to exhibit at The Brick Lane Gallery in London and Gallery 104 in New York. I created four large pieces for these shows, but when November arrived, COVID-19 put a halt to any plans. While I would love to reconnect with both galleries, I believe that exhibiting in my own country and sharing my work with my community is more important as I navigate life in full-time artistry.
A significant question that has guided my journey is whether I am an artist who is Māori or a Māori artist. This introspection prompted me to leave behind a career in retail management, allowing me to focus on my art full-time. I realised that art is not just about creating; it’s a profound exploration of identity and culture.
The Illusion of Stability: Retail Management
I worked in retail management for nearly six years, lured by the promise of a stable income. Initially, I worked part-time to support my art, but the appeal of a full-time role led me to take on more responsibilities. I believed I could balance my passion for art with the demands of management. However, this dream quickly became a struggle.
Over the years, I experienced significant art blocks that lasted over a year. The commissions I took on piled up, but I couldn’t find the time or inspiration to complete them. I turned to the gym as an escape, embracing bodybuilding as a new passion. For a time, it felt like a satisfying distraction. But gradually, art began to fade into the background.
Embracing Community
Despite the challenges, my life took a transformative turn in the past two years. I began to immerse myself in my community, saying yes to networking opportunities and actively participating in events. This was a game-changer. I forged meaningful friendships within the arts community, and opportunities began to flow my way. It’s humbling and rewarding to witness the impact of simply showing up and being present.
A significant part of this has been thanks to my partner, Kait, who works as the manager at ONEONESIX on Bank Street. Her unwavering support and the encouragement from her family and friends have been invaluable. The community that has evolved at ONEONESIX has become a hub of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.
A Bold Decision
I left home at 25, yeah a late bloomer, now being 27 and reaching closer to 30 I needed to find my own way and make a bold decision. So, in March, I quit my management job and fully committed to my art. This choice wasn’t easy but marked a monumental shift in my life. A wave of clarity washed over me the moment I left my retail career. I thought, “Well, F@%k, I can actually do this.” Art became my focus—painting, drawing, and sculpting consumed my thoughts once again.
Since making this leap, I’ve created more art in a few months than in the previous five years combined. It’s exhilarating and terrifying, but I’m here for the journey.
Journey of Growth
When I quit my job back in March, I also started a new chapter, Studying Te reo Māori. It has been a massive source of inspiration and a newfound confidence within my culture. I find myself reconnecting with my roots in a way that enriches my art and my entire outlook on life. Each lesson in the language opens doors to stories and cultural insights, and Tikanga is something that I’m eager to weave into my work. This exploration is more than just personal growth; it’s a way to honour my whakapapa and the rich heritage that shapes my identity.
Looking Forward
The road ahead is filled with challenges but also boundless possibilities! I’m ready to embrace every twist and turn, fuelled by passion and purpose. I’m excited to share this ongoing exploration with you—whether through new artworks, reflections on my experiences, or the inspirations that fuel my creativity. I hope my continued resolve resonates with you and encourages you to embrace your unique path. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to continue this conversation together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Josh