This work is based on a historical self portrait of Sydney Parkinson. He was the official illustrator on Captain Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific on board the Endeavour in 1768. Parkinson produced many impressive drawings of the foreign plants and animals he encountered.

In Youle’s contemporary version, he presents a fresh faced view of the original solemn portrait. This is at odds with the grim reality of the time working on-board the cramped ship, battling illness which would eventually kill him.

Wayne Youle was born in Titahi Bay in 1974. He is of Ngati Whakaeke, Ngapuhi and European descent. His dual heritage is often reflected in a playful manner in his work. He also regularly references other artist’s work, and acknowledges colonial times with a humorous contemporary twist.