Established in 2003, Whakamana Hiranga – the Icon Awards are our highest honour, bestowed to a living circle of twenty of New Zealand’s most significant artists for their extraordinary lifetime achievements and mark on the arts. The awards recognise the remarkable impact each artist has had on their practice, community, and the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.
“Our three newest recipients of the Icon Whakamana Hiranga demonstrate the preeminence this honour deserves. They join a circle of 20 living artists, who have in their own unique ways deeply impacted the arts landscape in Aotearoa.” - The Arts Foundation Chair, Garth Gallaway
Fatu Feu'u is on of three icons this year. He recieves this high honour alongside Dame Robin White & Dame Jane Campion.
Fatu Feu’u is an internationally renowned artist – acknowledged as both a leader and mentor within the Pasifika arts community. He has been pivotal in shaping the interest in contemporary Pacific art globally and nurturing a generation of Pacific artists locally.
In October 2022 Feu’u was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist Award by Creative New Zealand, for his outstanding contribution to art and his role as a leader within the Pacific arts community.
In 2022, Feu’u has once again joined forces with the international company, Specsavers, as Patron for the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand. Limited edition frames (which have imagery from a painting included in his new series, Protection of the Pacific Ocean) will be available in Specsavers’ stores nationwide from November 2022. A donation from each frame that is sold, will enable someone blinded by cataracts to have sight.
Link to the full article - https://www.thearts.co.nz/articles/meet-our-2022-icons
