200 Word Bio
Marcus Winter( Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Pou, Te Roroa, Dutch)
Marcus Winter, known as "The Sandman," is an acclaimed New Zealand artist who has gained international recognition for his captivating sand art performances. With Māori and Dutch ancestry, Winter draws deeply from his Māori heritage, using sand as a medium to tell intricate stories that reflect the rich cultural traditions of Aotearoa. His work has featured in major national ad campaigns and live theatre and luxury cruise ships shows, Winters performances are mesmerizing spectacles where he crafts detailed sand animations on a lightbox, bringing to life the myths, history, and natural beauty of his homeland.
Winter's passion extends beyond entertainment; he is dedicated to educating and inspiring future generations. "A Lightbox in Every School," he aims to introduce sand art as an alternative learning tool, providing an engaging platform for storytelling and expression. This project encourages students to explore their creativity in sand, offering a unique way to engage in the learning environment in the classroom.Winter's artistry not only entertains but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Māori culture and self discovery.
Through his work, he continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers, artists ensuring that the rich traditions of Aotearoa are celebrated and preserved.
ALTERNATE BIO
Over the past decade of work, Marcus Winter and his “Sand Art” has become established as a rising success story within the cultural and artistic landscape of Aotearoa. A finalist in the arts category for the 2013 Nga Toa Whakaihuwaka (Maori of the Year Awards) and recipient of an ART Venture award in 2015, Winter’s work has achieved both critical and commercial success with placements in major advertising campaigns and events across the Pacific.
Winter’s artistic passion stems from his culture, country and desire to promote and preserve Te Ao Maori on an international scale. A largely self-taught artist, Winter has proved his adeptness across a range of mediums with his sand animations requiring a rare skill-set involving AV production, editing and script-writing.