‘Ko Terati toku ingoa’ (My name is Terati)
Adam Ernest Jauczius
‘Ko Terati toku ingoa’ (My name is Terati) [detail] 2025
Portrait of Gerry Terati Lyons
Acrylic on canvas
91.6 x 61 cm
About the Artwork
Painting portraits isn’t an easy thing. I promise to capture a part of my chosen sitter beyond mere likeness, hopefully creating something that tells the story of their true self. Gerry Terati Lyons is a passionate advocate for indigenous music and proud Maori man who cherishes his whanau (family) and heritage. For decades, he’s worked tirelessly in Australian media to promote First Nations performers and singers.
G-man, as he’s known, has boundless energy and enthusiasm, whether he’s hosting a radio show, interviewing a musician or volunteering with Rotary. Gerry is genuine, committed to supporting homegrown artists and deeply connected to his New Zealand roots. My portrait of him was partly inspired by Goldie and Lindauer’s early paintings of Maori Elders, because Gerry’s mana (spiritual power), korowai (traditional cloak), and tiki (ancestral amulet) link directly to his culture and identity.
About the Artist
Adam Jauczius is the son of a Lithuanian/German refugee, and learnt to paint with his mother and grandmother. He became a weather technician, which took him to outback Australia, where he began creating vivid landscapes and portraits. These were exhibited/sold at Gascoyne, Churchill, Perth and McKenzie Galleries, WA, and Hahndorf Academy, SA, before Adam moved to Norfolk Island.
Adam has now been depicting Norfolk’s unique beauty—in his vibrant, realistic style—for 20 years. His works have been displayed/sold at Guava Gallery, Rawson Hall and Norfolk Art. Inspired by Picasso’s idea that “Painting is just another way of keeping a diary”, Adam has recorded his life on canvas and paper. Artistic highlights include 11 solo exhibitions, illustrating two books, and opening his own gallery. Adam has also been a Doug Moran Prize semi-finalist (2021), a Percival Prize finalist (2022), and a Glover Prize finalist (2025, 2026).