'KO TERATI TOKU INGOA’: MEDIA GURU HIGHLIGHTED IN PRESTIGIOUS ARCHIBALD ART AWARDS

BY TANGIORA HINAKI AND RENATA KELLY

Ko Terati Toku ingoa

My name is Terati!

Retired meteorologist Adam Jarcuczius, who is now a full-time artist, recently created a portrait of First Nations media legend Jerry Terati Lyons for the prestigious Archibald Prize.

Having a deep connection to the artists and their subjects, Adam approaches portraiture as a window into the person to reveal the true essence through art. “The primary motivation is the person I'm painting, “Jarcuczius shares. This is the person that I promised to try and find, who that person is and put them down on the canvas.” His artistic process is deeply personal, where the bond with the subject is just as important as the technical skills required to bring their likeness to life.

The portrait of Gerry Terati Lyons aka G Man is particularly special. Lyons played a significant role in the First Nations media sector. He was the General Manager for CAAMA Radio and 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly

His warm, genuine personality and passion for the community deeply resonated with Jarcuczius. “There’s something truly genuine about how Gerry asked me questions,” he recalled. The positive connection Jarcuczius felt allowed him to capture Lyon’s raw, true essence, not only capturing his appearance but also his spirit.

Jarcuczius’s technique involves careful observation and connection. While he uses reference photos, his true magic lies in capturing the subjects in unguarded and natural moments. “If I pull a camera out in front of someone, you'll give me a happy face," he explained, “but after a while, you'll forget I'm here and start revealing who you are.” Aiming to immortalise moments of authenticity on the canvas, the portrait isn't only about reproducing a face and telling a story through gestures, emotional expressions and those rare moments of raw vulnerability.

Creating the portrait is a long and meticulous process, with Jarcuczius dedicating hundreds of hours to each painting, from the most minor brushstroke to the final layers of colour. Jarcuczius ensures every detail is perfected using high-quality products and materials such as heavy canvases and Matisse acrylic paints. As Jarcuczius reflects on the painting’s completion, "Ko Terati Toku ingoa," meaning "My name is Terati," holds deep significance. This name came to him during the painting process, inspired by a poignant moment when Lions wore a traditional cloak, recognising his connection to his heritage. "It became vital," said Jarcuczius, "that the name would be my name." Through his art, Jarcuczius portrays each of his subjects' unique essence.

Click on the link below to listen to the interview.