INSPIRE - Alex Mate Tuaoi

Alex Tuaoi a New Zealand born Samoan was born & raised in Wainuiomata, Wellington NZ and has been passionate about art since he was a young boy. Alex is a self-taught artist who enjoys painting with acrylics painting wildlife especially lions, abstract, contemporary art & portraiture. Inspired by having the freedom to express himself through art. Alex remembers his teacher Mrs Clarke at Glendale Primary had asked him to draw pictures for their class story book when he was about 9 years old, it was then that Alex discovered he wanted to pursue his passion for art and creativity.

Alex has exhibited with the Art Krew in a few galleries in Wellington in 1999 - 2000 Step Up gallery, Petone, Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt & Pataka Art + Museum, Porirua. Alex & wife Fayth relocated to Australia in 2005, Alex exhibited at a charity fundraiser for Equippers Church, Sydney in 2005 also in a couple of group exhibitions at the Circle Gallery, West End titled 'People' in 2011 and an Art Gallery Fundraiser held at Art Precinct in West End for his nephew who was heading to France in 2014 titled 'Strength & Courage' . In 2017 & 2018 Alex has donated masterpieces to the Lighthouse Care Annual Fundraising Dinner event, a non-for-profit organisation which assists families in need with affordable weekly groceries. A lioness painting titled 'Strong Powerful Woman' ($600 sold via auction) and a lion painting titled 'Dawn Beauty' ($2,000 sold via auction)

Bio from Alex Mate Tuaoi's Facebook page.