Lyonel Grant stands out as an innovator: a master carver rooted in tradition, who evolved into a globally respected sculptor merging Māori and Western aesthetics, stories, and materials. His sculptural language, ranging from monumental marae and waka to refined bronzes, marks him as a bridge between Māori customary carving and contemporary art. His contributions are recognised broadly from marae communities to major international institutions signifying both cultural resilience and artistic innovation.

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