Michael Kennedy: Artists Bio

North Shore artist, Michael Kennedy, has had a passion for art from an early age, this was made quite clear to his mother, who would have to drag the young Michael kicking and screaming to school as he yelled “why do I have to go school, I already know I want to be an artist! . . . or a geologist!?”

With the support of teachers who allowed him to draw his much preferred spaceships instead of spiders, it would seem Michael would have his way. “I was always drawing and cartooning as a youngster and all the way through college.” His style and sense of humour were heavily influenced by comics such as the 'Far Side' collection and Mad magazine.

After studying Graphics and Visual Design at AUT and working in the industry, spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen, he picked up some oil paints for the first time. Michael was able to hone his skills, learning the art and techniques of oil painting from the established Devonport artist, Rob Campion. Major influences include Dali, Magritte, Monet and contemporary artists of the pop-surrealist movement, such as the American, Joe Sorren, Mark Ryden and Andrew Bell(The Creatures in my Head).

In recent years Michael has exhibited major works, such as his 'Nude Lilies' collection at the Mairangi Arts Centre and other works at the Lake House and The Depot Artspace. He held his first solo show 'Wonderfully Weird' last year at The Depot Artspace. In this exhibition Michael combined his passion for cartooning and humour with his love of traditional oil painting techniques, with the result being an incredibly well received, unique and imaginative collection.

Michael currently spends his time predominately painting new works and commissions, freelancing, and has aspirations of creating/illustrating children's books. Recently he has also started dabbling in the dark art of bringing his characters to life in the form of plushies and sculpture.

“In my current work I continue to explore surreal worlds inhabited with my uniquely

bizzare creatures, cute critters and macabre beasties. My imagination and sense of humour are a huge part of my work!”

Exhibitions and gallery involvement

 2006 Members exhibition at Mairangi Arts Centre

 2007 Artspaces 2, Mairangi Arts Centre. A group exhibition with my body of work entitled “Nude Lilies” which was a collection of approx. 13 oil paintings relating the theme of natural beauty and the female form. This was my first major showing of a large body of work.

 Also work has been shown in the “Small works” exhibitions.

 Works shown at: The Great Art Sale. Lakehouse.

2008 Artwork in the Tardis gallery at the Depot Artspace throughout the last year or so with good sales and interest. Artwork also featured in the Depot Artspaces' great Art Sale.
Wonderfully Weird Exhibition at the Depot Artspace's Small Dog Gallery

2009 Tardis Sampler show - Depot Artspace 

Artwork for sale

Looking for a painting to purchase, have a look at my paintings for sale here:

Check out my artwork for auction on Trademe, user name:malangeo
- including "Wish on This!", "Jean-Pierre", "Mr Switch" and many more...