Morks
b. 1982
Resides Kirwee, Canterbury
The dynamic painterly works of multi-disciplined artist, Morks, are inspired both by the natural world around him and his connections with friends and whānau.
With over 25 years creative experience, Morks' painting practice is founded in a teenage foray into graffiti; learning the art of tattooing while serving in the New Zealand Army, and subsequently 25 successful years in the tattoo industry; and a love and skill for Street Art, spanning decades. Varying techniques, methods and styles from these major influences can be seen in Morks' new painted canvas works, exhibited at The Central in Two-Way Street, as well as new painterly-influences inspired by his late mentor, figurative expressionist, Philip Trusttum. While Morks brings his own unique style to his painted works, the energy, colour play, and level of detail are comparable to Philip's.
Morks was born and raised in Hawkes Bay and, after moving south while in active service with the New Zealand Army, has now settled in Canterbury at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Recent gallery showings of Morks' works include at Oxford Gallery, Canterbury; The Ivy Box, Tāhuna Queenstown; Limn Gallery, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland; and Fiksate and Flare Galleries, Ōtautahi Christchurch. Of note, Morks' work was displayed alongside the work of pseudonymous England-based street artist, political activist, and film director, Banksy, as part of a Spectrum Street Art Festival exhibition; and, more recently, Morks was one of the artists involved in SHIFT, the urban art takeover of the Canterbury Museum buildings before their restoration began.