Native New Yorker In 7 years spent in Chinatown NYC – this white new Zealander (pakeha) felt a clambering for cultural identity. The anonymity and freedom that New York affords one to chose where you “come from” is unique. “I’m Irish but I’ve never been there”.

Mike’s current work around cultural and spiritual identity and osmosis has been influenced by the raw street art and racial minority status he held while in Chinatown, New York.

Returning to New Zealand seven years ago, Mike’s work to reflects the mixing of European and native Maori culture. Exploring the differing spiritual and material priorities and testing the boundaries of the two key cultural identities in one country.

Mike Davison was born in Napier, New Zealand in the winter of 69. Influential to his upbringing were his Anglican Arch Dioceses grandfather, Policeman father, and adopted Maori sister.

Though not formally trained in fine art, Mike has worked in the advertising industry for the past 20 years including 7 years in New York. He is an accomplished graphic designer and art director currently holding the title of Head of Art at DDB New Zealand.