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Wayne Youle
Wellington-born multi-media artist Wayne Youle (Ngā Puhi, Ngati Whakaeke, Ngāti Pākehā) has produced a remarkably diverse body of work since graduating from the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design in 1999.
In 2010, Wayne was the Rita Angus Artist in Residence. Two years later, he was selected as the SCAPE Artspace Artist in Residence (Sydney), and in 2019, he was the McCahon House Artist in Residence. Wayne’s work is held in public collections across Aotearoa.
Having specialised in typography during his design studies, Wayne’s art embodies a less-is-more mentality, often comprised of clean lines, strong silhouettes, and flat, unmodulated blocks of colour. Though formally stripped-back, Wayne’s works are conceptually saturated. Bringing together different shapes and symbols, his compositions work to contextualise narratives, allowing simple forms to convey complex meaning, whether this be in the form of story, metaphor or historical retelling.
Wayne’s diverse practice is also strongly influenced by his bicultural heritage. A keen observer of the ever-shifting dynamics of Māori and Pākehā culture, his practice traverses issues of identity, race, and the commodification of cultural symbols. His work speaks to a fascination with the visual language of popular culture, and desire to question how history and identity are constructed.
Wayne is currently represented by Suite Gallery, Auckland.
Other links:
Artworks by Wayne Youle
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Objects for making one feel good, worse or indifferent, 2017 (empty Waka)
See Artwork »18ct hard gold-plated stainless steel on waxed Rimu base.
150 mm (approx. height).
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Objects for making one feel good, worse or indifferent, 2017 (Blimp)
See Artwork »18ct hard gold-plated stainless steel on waxed Rimu base.
150 mm (approx. height).
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Objects for making one feel good, worse, or indifferent, 2017 (Backpack)
See Artwork »18ct hard gold-plated stainless steel on waxed Rimu base.
150 mm (approx. height).
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I was thinking about you just the other day, 2019
See Artwork »Power coated silhouette steel, ed.3
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A trophy for decent contribution and creative participation, 2022
See Artwork »Jarrah and Rimu.
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Cascade, 2024
See Artwork »Enamel and acrylic on canvas
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He Tāngata, 2024
See Artwork »Framed enamel and acrylic on canvas board
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If you hold still, take a deep breath and everything will be alright (he says with shaking hands), 2019
See Artwork »Powder coated marine aluminium
