Picasso was a
Māori Artist
$15,000 NZD
910 x 760 mm
From Waitara to the world stage, Darcy Nicholas has become a living legend in the Māori art world, often hailed as “the Māori Picasso” for his unique blend of traditional Māori forms with contemporary global influences. Prolific, passionate, and visionary, Nicholas’ journey as an artist has spanned decades and continents, bringing Māori art into the international spotlight.
Artist: Darcy Nicholas
Darcy Nicholas (QSO)
Darcy Nicholas: The Māori Picasso Returns to Taranaki
It all began in the small town of Waitara, Taranaki, where a young Darcy Nicholas first encountered the name Picasso—not as an artist to emulate, but as a source of ridicule. “I had no idea who Picasso was,” Nicholas recalls, “so when the teachers called me ‘Picasso’ in class, I felt insulted.” It wasn’t until his father, after a meeting with the school principal, explained the reference as a compliment that Nicholas discovered the genius of Pablo Picasso. Little did he know then that this early association would shape his future as an artist.
Now, decades later, Picasso’s influence continues to be a cornerstone of Nicholas’ work. The painting titled Picasso Was a Māori Painter, is a striking homage to the Spanish master. Featuring a woman with elongated eyes, the work captures a sense of wisdom and vision that has become a signature of Nicholas’ distinctive style. “This is a woman of much wisdom,” Nicholas explains, “the stretched eyes appear throughout my work, representing a deeper, more universal perspective.”
With each piece of art, Nicholas challenges perceptions, blending Māori heritage with global artistic traditions. “I’ve deliberately taken Picasso’s idea of distortion,” he says, “which connects to the carving traditions of Māori culture, particularly those of Kairau Pā, where the distortion is deliberate to invoke deeper meaning.”
Nicholas’ path to becoming one of New Zealand’s most respected artists was not a straightforward one. Born in 1945 as the 11th of 12 children, Nicholas grew up immersed in te reo Māori and steeped in the wisdom of his elders, many of whom were born in the 1800s. His first foray into art came early—at just 9 years old, he sold his first painting. Yet, his journey would take many turns. After a decade-long career in the New Zealand Police, during which he helped develop the identikit programme and formed the youth aid section, Nicholas made a bold decision to leave and pursue art full time.
His transition into the art world was marked by an extraordinary turn of events. At his first solo exhibition in Lower Hutt, an African American patron purchased all 35 of his paintings before the show even opened. From there, Nicholas’ career skyrocketed. International recognition followed, including exhibitions in London, where his work was displayed in front of some of the most influential people in Europe.
Nicholas’ reputation as the “Māori Picasso” grew, further cemented by his groundbreaking work and his collaborations with other Māori artists such as Selwyn Muru and Buck Nin, with whom he would discuss the greats—Picasso, Matisse, and beyond. His work continues to reflect the richness of his heritage, blending Māori symbolism with contemporary themes of global unity, environmentalism, and ancestral connection.
As much as his art has garnered international acclaim, Nicholas’ work remains deeply personal. It is a visual language that speaks to the interconnectedness of all people and the land we share. “There is a universality about my work,” he says. “We are all living ancestors. We all belong to this land and must look after it.” His works often feature multiple images within a single frame, suggesting the complexity and interwoven nature of identity, culture, and history.
Nicholas’ life is equally filled with stories of global exploration and local devotion. His beloved wife, Anne, who passed away in early 2023, was a constant presence at his side, traveling the world with him and supporting his career. Nicholas’ work continues to honor her memory, with pieces like The Scottish Woman, which commemorates Anne’s heritage and their shared journey through life.
His commitment to Māori culture has extended beyond the art world. In the late 1980s, Nicholas was appointed as deputy to Wira Gardiner at the Iwi Transition Agency, where he helped facilitate the establishment of 14 tribal groups across New Zealand, aiding in their land claims. His deep engagement with Māori history has shaped his artwork, and he continues to use his platform to advocate for the protection and preservation of Māori culture.
With a career spanning continents and decades, Darcy Nicholas has not only become a renowned figure in the global art world but a vital force in the preservation and promotion of Māori culture. His recognition includes the Queen’s Service Order for his services to the arts in 2010 and the Te Waka Toi Supreme Award in 2013. Today, as Nicholas reflects on his journey, he remains committed to ensuring the future of his art and his culture for generations to come.
For Darcy Nicholas, Taranaki will always be his roots, and his art, a living testament to the interconnectedness of people, cultures, and the planet itself. Through his paintings, he asks us all to see the world through the eyes of our ancestors, to respect each other, and to stand together in the pursuit of a shared future.