Postcards Unlocked #34  | Jimmy James Kouratoras

Jimmy James Kouratoras has always worked with his hands. A descendant from a long line of artisans, his artwork weaves together his Cretan and Māori (Ngāti Tiipa) heritage while simultaneously inspired by a range of different spiritual and cultural motifs. Rather than relying on simply replicating traditional signs and symbols,

Jimmy uses living Indigenous methodologies and practices such as karakia (prayer) rongoa (medicine), carving, the colloquial form and texture of Indigenous architecture, creation stories and ritual as his guiding sources. 

In drawing upon these traditional resources, his works are seen as contemporary artworks that are in conversation with our current socio-political concerns.

The 'Postcards Unlocked' Project featured 40 artists over 40 days via Tautai’s social media platforms as we navigated new waters during the 2020 Aotearoa Lockdown.

Learn more about the project here.