Mike Harold - Artist Profile

Mike Harold is a painter from Dannevirke in the Tararua District of New Zealand. He has become best known for his quirky, narrative work, having over recent years exhibited three major series in this genre: *_“Kilmore and Beyond”, “Last Foxtrot in Mangakino”, *_“Peas and Onions for Tea” and most recently (March ,2016) “Topdressing Daze”.

Mike’s painting is especially influenced by the narrative works of three important Australian painters; the modernist Sydney Nolan (especially the Ned Kelly series), the story telling of Pro Hart and the more quirky, lyrical present-day work of Garry Shead.

Mike likes to see his exhibitions as a celebration of the painter as storyteller.He is interested in developing limited edition prints from a selection of key images in each of the major narrative series to date.

Here is a selection of viewer responses to Mike Harold’s first two narrative series:

Kilmore and Beyond (2003)

“Terrific series and a very successful way of communicating so many levels of material – personal, communal, poetic, mythic and universal.” Janet Bayly (Fine Arts consultant, Palmerston North)

“Each visual expression has reinforced my insights, prior knowledge, heard stories about New Zealand. It touches me the way each connects me to every New Zealander I’ve connected with. It is a story of passion and culture that graciously moves one’s heart.” Josie Blackstone-Anglis (Teacher and new New Zealander)

“A moving experience. Poignant and inspiring.” Hillary Pederson, Hawkes Bay news reporter.

Last Foxtrot in Mangakino (2009)

“These paintings are just what I love. They are great colours and quirkiness. They show what being a New Zealander is all about.” Iveta Senior.

“What makes great art is something that moves the inner spirit and fires the imagination of the observer, something that manages to transcend the simple application of paint to canvas. I just loved it! (So NZ!)” . Elinor Hughes, Hawkes Bay artist.

“Mike displays skilled use of colour and shape in his work. The use of complementary colours and colour vibration has produced powerful paintings, immediately drawing the viewer’s eye to the work… The clever use of shape in the figures brings life and humour to these paintings.” Greg Barrow, Hawkes Bay artist.

“This dedicated, quirky, genre painter shows us immense visual conversation and his graphic inventiveness should be no surprise to his peers when viewing the exhibition. The images are readily mixed by the eye… a colour- feast for those ‘who know what they like’ “ .Maurice Brookes (Award winning artist)

“As frequent visitors to New Zealand we think this story is so typically Kiwi… Essential that the paintings are kept together as a collection. Brilliant!” Tony and Jenny Boyle, UK.

“Very refreshing style. Touches of genius in a naïve, free approach.” Nat Tate, Portrait Artist

“Great!! Never seen anything like it. – Fantastic way to tell a story!!” Calliope Cowper, California, USA

“It was great to see the response of the public and the interaction with their own experiences…The paintings reflect the text in liveliness and depth that draws you back to find hidden secrets…I would recommend this show to any interested exhibitors! “ Sue Morton, Curator, Percy Thompson Gallery, Taranaki.

“This is essentially the purpose of art and it’s a real chapter of NZ history; done with a great sense of humor and imagination. Everyone should take this in. Excellent stuff.” Eric Brew

“An intriguing and fast-moving modern adaptation of the Nolan Ned Kelly theme. Is it “Kiwi” or that rejected title “Australasian”? Actually I like it better than Nolan.” Richard Davis

“This is an incredible piece of work of an incredible journey which is an incredible piece of New Zealand history.” Joan Paki J.P.

“From an almost naïve 2 dimensional beginning the pictorial narrative escalates into a mad dash for freedom- a comical but almost “sad” portrayal of a lovely story. It is full of energy and movement that draws one in.” Merle Abbot.

“A wonderful story – I appreciate the nod to Nolan and McCahon. The paintings are vibrant and colourful and fully capture the drama, humor and poignancy of this tale.” Mark Tisdall.

Mike Harold Solo Narrative Exhibitions

2003 ANZ Gallery, Dannevirke
2004 Aratoi (Masterton)
2005 Hawkes Bay Community Gallery, Hastings
2005 Hastings Library Gallery
2007 Percy Thompson Gallery, Taranaki
2009 The Vault, Dannevirke
2009-10 FADAS Gallery, Manawatu
2010 Square Edge Gallery, Palmerston North
2010 Taupo Museum Gallery, Taupo
2011 Percy Thompson Gallery, Taranaki
2011 Southland Art Gallery, Invercargill
2012 Fountain Theatre, Dannevirke
2013 Thornton Gallery, NZ National Army Museum
2016 A & P Display Centre, Dannevirke

Mike has participated successfully in many group exhibitions in Hawkes Bay, Manawatu and Wairarapa over several years.
The Peas and Onions for Tea narrative featured as a news item on National Radio with Jim Mora in April 2012 and as part of the Maori Television’s ANZAC Day programme in 2013 titled “The Art of War”.

Links to media features about Mike Harold’s narratives
(First 2 “stuff.co.nz” links require searching “Mike Harold art” on opening of the link.)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/...ur-manawatu/2540011/The-last-Foxtrot-in-Mangakino
http://www.stuff.co.nz/...ght/6772652/Painting-a-story-of-war-in-the-desert
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/afternoons/20120424

The Art of War. http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/anzac-2013/S01E001/art-war

Colour in Your Life Episode (CIYL). Filming with Graeme Stevenson,October 2014.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/...article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11351290

Topdressing Daze, Hawkes Bay Today http://www.nzherald.co.nz/...article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11598035

CIYL You Tube. Mike Harold Episode link: