Kamelia Purwo was born in smoggy Jakarta, Indonesia, and she and her family migrated to New Zealand when she was seven. Kamelia thanks this move for transforming her dramatically from a pale, waif- like child glued in front of the TV screen, to a sprightly, overly cooked monster running up to all sorts of mischief – in the garden, in the mud, at the beach - anywhere that guaranteed a bronchial cough and her Mum’s Napisan.
Young children with their larger than life imaginations and curiousness are what inspire Purwo. Her art works often portray children with an animal sidekick. Every child needs a partner in crime, and when friends aren’t available, who better to turn to than Paul the Octopus, Penny the Penguin, or Phil the Seal: “I’ve focused on sea animals because they are fascinating. But it is also to raise awareness of the staggering amount of waste that goes into our oceans each year, and which causes huge damage to the marine environment. I hope that by painting sea animals out of their natural environment and juxtaposing them with children – people will view them as a bit cuddlier, and perhaps be more inclined to protect them”.
Purwo graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (in History) from the University of Otago in 2008, enjoying the mental challenge that law offers, but using painting and printmaking as her retreats. She’s happiest with a paintbrush or woodcutting knife in hand.
