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| Peter Jean Caley Feature Artist in Soura art magazine Issue two May-June 2005 |
| Peter Jean Caley By Mariam W. Al Dabbagh How hard is it to define Art? A question we tried to answer in our first issue,helplessly aiming at a satisfying answer. However,when I met Peter Jean Caley,I suddenly found myself with all the answers. “Art is your gateway to the world.” With these words I found myself fascinated with the amount of passion and dedication Caley has for his work. His sense of belonging and true attachment to the subjects of his work make him one of the most exceptional people I have ever met. His will to send the message across to people is restless. He spent hours trying to explain to me the significance behind every painting ,the spirit that guides him through and the stories behind every brush stroke. I was sad though, because we often fail to understand art the way he sees it, and that failure is very disappointing. I wished for a moment that the passion he had would spread all around, and as optimistic as this might sound, the world would have certainly become a better place! On a personal note, I am fascinated by the culture of New Zealand, and I believe that if we study it well, most of lifes complicated questions will be answered. It is simply remarkable! Who is Peter Jean Caley? Born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, from the Ngai Tahu, Kati Hui Rapa tribe, Caley has grown to be an inspirational realist, with beautiful representations of the Marae culture, along with many other stirring topics. Caley interest in painting started from a very early age, as he used to keep a book of Salvidor Dali tucked under his pillow. Inspired by both his father and grandfather who both painted. Caley was encouraged to pursue painting and art as a full time job to this very day. Caley has evolved a very unique technique and his work is entirely freehand, developing a delicate use of colour and brush technique. He enjoys the challenge of large-scale works and has a style that could only be described within the category of inspirational realism. On returning to New Zealand in 1997 from many years spent in Australia, he was sponsored to paint for New Zealand native and cultural exhibition. Tui on Taurapa The Tui is a native honeyeater found throughout New Zealand. These birds were kept by Maori in the past as pets. It is part of legend “ Never tell a Tui your secrets, as they will tell everyone”. The Taurapa is the stern post of a Waka Taua (war canoe). These were elaborately carved, all told a story, and each tribe had their own design. Wakahuia black (treasure box) This magnificently carved Wakahuia was from the original, which is several hundred years old and still kept at home with the Maori descendants. It represents the loved ones that have departed. It has a shadow of a spirit beneath and the flax bushes dances with the arrival of the ancestors. Lisa A young girl going through that curious stage in life, seeking direction and confused between traditions and what life has to offer. An amazing thing happened during the painting of this portrait. In the background the artist could faintly make out a Face in the scrumbling of Oil. He went about with the brush bringing it into being with the intention of removing it. Whilst away Lisa s Mother visited the studio and immediately asked where he got the picture of the grandmother. This was later confirmed with a series of photographs which absolutely confirmed her likeness. It was there to stay. Wakahuia (brown treasure box) This finely carved Wakahuia was painted from an original piece carved in the Rotorua district. The family still uses the original to celebrate weddings and births. |
| Mariam W.Al dabbagh Group Editor Soura contact mariam@soura.ae |
| Geraldine art exhibit hits spot in Dubai Community High Country Herald- June 1,2005 Geraldine artist Peter Jean Caley was encouraged by the interest in his work during a recent exhibition in Dubai. Caley’s paintings were at the center of a New Zealand Exhibit at the first International Art and Craft expo held in the Hotel Grand Hyatt in Dubai in April. The expo included the works of 350 artists and artisans from around the world. Maori carvings, weapons, clothing and weaving supported Caley’s personal collection of Maori portraits and cultural paintings. Awatea Edwin, of Temuka, travelled with the art works and performed the cultural protocols associated with opening the exhibition. Caley says he used the occasion to promote South Canterbury and handed out brochures and information about the region during his travels. Caley’s works are in oil on canvas and are described as inspirational realism. He says there is a world wide trend towards realistic art and international markets are opening up to him. The exhibit attracted huge interest, sometimes from unexpected quarters. Along with Sheiks, Princesses and Dignitaries, a group of school children arrived on a field trip as part of their study of Maori culture and a Dubai newspaper ran a kiwi colouring competition. While in Dubai Caley accepted an invitation to show his work in the Ambiente Arabia Exhibition, held in the World Trade Centre, in Dubai the following week. This exhibition was a bonus and provided further opportunity to meet with marketers and other big players on the international art scene. Recently a copy of Caley’s painting The Flutes was presented to Prince Charles during his visit to New Zealand. Caley is now well established internationally and is planning exhibitions in Delhi and New York later this year. |
