The arts world is in mourning after the passing of one of the true icons of Ngā Toi Māori, Fred Graham at the age of 96.

A beloved artist, mentor and educator - Graham has remained a relevant figure in the art world, just last week unveiling a major new sculpture, Te Manu Rangimaarie, at Taupiri.

Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura) is still a global attraction, chosen as one of the NZ artists to be part of this year’s Venice Biennale international exhibition. It’s just one of many overseas exhibitions Graham has been involved with, including the 1986 ‘Te Ao Marama’ (‘Seven Māori Artists’) exhibition that toured Australia and a 1992 United States tour showcasing contemporary Māori art.

He was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2025 New Year's Honours list - which was due to recieve later this month - and was preparing for the opening of his latest exhibition, Fred Graham: Toi Whakaata / Reflections, at Christchurch Art Gallery (opening 31 May). As the Arts Foundation pointed out in their social media post "Even in his final days, his legacy was growing."

Graham's service to Māori art dates back to the 1950s. He was an art adviser to Māori primary schools throughout Rotorua and Northland, has been Head of the Art Department at various schools throughout the North Island and he has played a key role in inspiring and developing the next generation of artistic talent as a mentor and advocate. 

He was a pioneer of the Contemporary Māori Art Movement and in 1966 he was a key figure in organising one of the first exhibitions of contemporary Māori painting and sculptures in Hamilton, part of what is known as ‘the class of ’66’ with the likes of Cliff Whiting and Paratene Matchitt.

Graham served on the Haerewa Māori Cultural Advisory Group at the Auckland Art Gallery for almost three decades.  He has produced sculptures that are displayed in cities and towns across the motu, as well as galleries in Seattle, Vancouver and South Korea. Most recently, Graham was commissioned to create sculptures for the new Catholic College in Drury and a roundabout south of Tirau.

His artistic legacy is also a genetic one, with his Arts Laureate son Brett Graham also a renowned exponent of Māori sculpture and also part of this year’s NZ contingent at Venice. His daughter Kathyrn is also an influential member of the creative community as a TV and podcast producer, with many projects focussing on arts and culture.

In his last interview with The Big Idea last year, Fred Graham spoke of his desire for his legacy to be helping to inspire the next generation of artists.

"It's a pretty hard row to hoe as artists in New Zealand - whether you're involved in music, art, opera, you name it. It's always the major question when you tell people you're an artist, they say 'what do you do for a living?'" Fred laughed.

"When people like myself receive these types of recognition, it can help inspire people to stay on their path."

He took great pride in the work of his children - noting in the context of their shared Venice Biennale achievement "I'm very proud of being able to share this with him - to be quite honest I'm very happy to be known as Brett Graham's father." 

Graham's ability was unquestionable, his motivations undeniable and his impact unbreakable. A mighty tōtara has fallen, but will not be forgotten.