**[Jarom Gudgeon](https://www.cohart.com/jarwhg0030)** is a Māori contemporary portrait painter, currently based in New Zealand. He is interested in the intersections and deconstruction of the staged portrait.

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##### Can you describe your artistic process? What materials and techniques do you typically use?

My art practice is an evolving and maturing body of decision making and mistakes that is inspired by the ever changing platforms on social media. I like to think I can keep up with Pop Culture and trends, which then lead to informed decisions in my work. I take found images I come across on Instagram or Pinterest and I deconstruct and reconstruct these images to develop another narrative. Often collaging and combining these images. I am interested in the relationships of materials and image, looking at the intersections of decision making that create the forms and layers of paint and charcoal and inks. Typically I use charcoal and acrylic paint or paint pens in my work, often layering and taking away unwanted areas, trying not to be de-influenced in the process.

##### What emotions do you experience when creating your art, and how do they influence the final piece?

There are highs and lows in my process when creating art. I would describe these high and lows as different modes of making which is the influx of inspiration, intuition and pieces of a puzzle coming together. Other times the lows are like forcing two opposing things to connect, and in that frustration I have learnt to let go and let the work sit for a time then revisit at another time. Usually after revisiting a piece, I have found less is more and it was finished or overcooked. 

##### What is your approach to experimenting with new techniques or styles?

I have found experimenting in my practice has come about when “accidents” happen and they just work. Such as, when mixing charcoal and ink together or paints and inks bleeding into each other creating a compromise and relationship as a response in materials. Sometimes they just work, and other times more experimenting or more informed experience is needed.

##### Can you describe a turning point in your artistic career that significantly impacted your work?

In regards to impact and influence on my practice it would be back in 2016, when Kanye West debuted his Yeezy Season 3 show. This was a turning point that changed my perspective of what my practice is about and everything I want my art practice to be. His showcase was a culmination of convergence and collaboration! The levels of integration into his show were strategic and fun, and he took an approach that hasn’t been repeated since in hip hop. What started with a clothing line then crossed over into his album release then also a live performance, a live installation of models and also a full blown concert, to staging, to peak pop culture with a long list of celebrities in attendance. He created an experience and atmosphere that is lacking in many industries today. This influenced how I interpret my practice and how I want to show my own art in the future. 

Recently another turning point would be thanks to an artist initiative called the Artistry Huddle, which was a group of artists providing critique and offering a safe environment to receive feedback on our art. This group helped me to gain confidence in my art practice after returning to it.

##### How do you balance personal expression with audience expectations in your work?

During my journey in my practice in the last three years I have battled with finding the balance between personal expression and creating art ‘that sells’. I am happy to say I no longer create art with the intention and purpose to satisfy the customer or online followers. I have become confident in my process and practice, learning come to learn to disconnect from my own expectations and to allow the “accidents” and mistakes and experimenting in my art to become what makes a “successful” painting. 

##### What do you think is the most important quality for an artist to possess?

Personally I believe resilience and tenacity are most important.

##### Has your cultural background influenced your artistic practice?

Being Māori here in New Zealand, I have been exposed to many opportunities from my cultures and heritage. This has helped widen my perspective and allowed me to be open to various ways of storytelling and communication through art. In my own practice I am able to switch between multiple cultural lenses to change how I experience my own work and also how my work could be received. I value my culture in my work as I am creating from and for my own experience as a Māori male in New Zealand.

##### Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

My biggest influence is always pop culture, or my favourite artists whether in music, film or visual art. I love to put on a film, podcast, new album or a TV show to name a few. Being a chronic scroller doesn’t always help, but due to the fast pace of social media, the exposure to visual matter is always inspiring.

##### How do you perceive the relationship between art and mental health?

My art is my valued space. My art comes about depending on my mental health. There are many therapies and avenues to help support mental health in art, so both are considerate of each other. I believe art stimulates the wellbeing of the mind to motivate and strengthen the pathways of the brain.

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##### How do you see the role of art in today's digital age?

Art is crucial in today's digital age as it is another mode of communication. Art is the language of the senses. People will always divert back to what is familiar and relatable, where they can find a sense of connection. There is a big change happening right now in how people communicate and understand visual languages online. Art is right in the thick of it, challenging the fast-paced digital age and helping people to connect to content.

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Jarom Gudgeon evolves through deconstructing social media images, blending materials, and embracing mistakes with pop culture influence.

Spotlight: Jarom Gudgeon: Exploring Māori Identity Through Contemporary Art

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