Wayne Youle

Wayne Youle's artwork addresses issues of identity, race, and the commodification of cultural symbols with an iconoclastic sense of humour that has become his trademark. As John Hurrell suggests in Australian Art Collector magazine's 2010 predictions for 'artists on the cusp', Youle "... likes to play the agent provocateur who mischievously baits both Maori and Pakeha communities. He impresses with his complexity of thought, relentless curiosity and energetic output ... [but] it is the wit and profundity, obviously based on personal observation that makes [his] art memorable. He is rapidly becoming a highly respected commentator on Aotearoa's continually evolving bi-cultural history." (i)

"By being provocative and funny", critic Andrew Paul Wood writes, "Youle is able to slip under the radar of good taste and political correctness, and make critical comment about the sacred cows of New Zealand biculturalism in a similar way to slightly older artists like Michael Parekowhai and Peter Robinson. Youle makes you think about the issue without even realising you are, and that makes him an amazingly incisive artist." (ii)

Wayne Youle is the recipient of the 2010 Rita Angus Residency.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu will present a survey show of his work in early 2011.

(i) Australian Art Collector, Issue 51, Jan-Mar 2010
(ii) Real Art Roadshow: The Book, 2009