Teen recognised for nana-inspired art
A Palmerston North schoolboy’s artistic exploits, inspired by his grandmother, have been recognised nationally.
Awatapu College student Malachi Oldridge, 19, has been selected for the IHC art awards for the second year in a row.
Last year he entered a painting of himself and his grandmother, Kararaina Oldridge, and he was selected in the top 30, where his painting was later auctioned off.
This year he entered a drawing of his grandmother, inspired by New Zealand artist Ernest Mervyn Taylor’s work A Ma¯ ori Girl, which has again sent him through to the top 30. His work will be auctioned off at a gala evening in Wellington this weekend.
Oldridge, who has autism, takes two community art groups a week: NOA at Te Manawa and a private art group run by Aroha Lowe, who has supported Oldridge with his work.
As part of NOA, he worked on a paste-up mural on King St.
Oldridge’s teacher Fleur Waipouri said Oldridge loved art and his nana was a big part of his life.
Waipouri said there was talk about Oldridge being commissioned to do paintings.
Oldridge said it was cool his work was being recognised and he was excited for the future.
He said he wanted to keep painting and drawing.
His mother Kelly said he started art at kindergarten.
‘‘He’s always been a doodler. He’s always drawn things how he sees them.’’
Oldridge won the people’s choice award for the drawing of his grandmother.
‘‘He’s always been a doodler. He’s always drawn things how he sees them.’’
Mum, Kelly