Guy Ngan

Photo showing a large sculpture built by Guy Ngan that sits upon the roundabout at the entrance to Stokes Valley

Guy Ngan, OBE (born 1926), is a New Zealand artist, and has a range of work across a large range of media, including sculpture, painting, drawing, design and architecture. He is known for his incorporation of Māori motifs such as the tiki. Many of his works are in prominent places, such as the tapestry in the Beehive and sculpture at the Reserve Bank, while many others are dotted around the country in obscure places like the entrance to Stokes Valley.

Biography

Guy Ngan was born in 1926 in Wellington. He was born to his Chinese parents but he calls himself “Pacific Chinese” Wai Yin and Chin Ting. Guy Ngan lived in China for most of his young age then moved back to New Zealand. Guy Ngan Has four siblings named Ken,Maring,David and Helene.

During his young years, he schooled in China. as he got older, he returned to New Zealand, for higher studies. In 1938 a Japanese bomb dropped next door while they were having breakfast. Guy Ngan’s father took Guy ngan and his brother to Hong Kong and put them on a boat to New Zealand and they never saw him again. Guy Ngan Schooled at Newtown school but he was unhappy and then stayed with relatives in Miramar In 1951, He studied at Goldsmith’s School of Art agt London University in the same year he was allowed entry to the Royal College of Art, in London. In 1954, he graduated and was given the Royal College Continuation Scholarship for one year. He was payed £600. In 1955 the British Council awarded him with a scholarship and an allowance of £12 a week and all travel expenses paid for.

In 1956 he returned to New Zealand. He worked as a consultant at the architecture Division for the Ministry of works. He Worked here till 1960 after here he went to work for Stephenson and Turner Architects till 1970. Guy Ngan then became the director of New Zealand Academy of fine arts for 20 years during this time Guy Ngan encouraged New Zealand artists to promote their art talents at museums. He also encouraged Maori and cultural art.


Guy Ngan married Jean Wong, and they had two children: Nicolas and Liz. Both their children are now married, and Guy and Jean Ngan have three grandchildren. Guy and his family still live in Stokes Valley, in the house that he designed and built himself.


Guy Ngan has had lots of successes in his life as a painter/artist/architect designer. Many of his work are displayed in very important and historical buildings across New Zealand. He has artwork that is still displayed inside and outside of the Wellington Beehive.




His other popular artwork is displayed in the Stokes Valley round-a-bout, and also the "Elevating Worm" sculpture in the Stokes Valley shopping centre. He has been an unnoticed artist, and at the age of 80 years old, he made a lot of changes to New Zealand Art.

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