Nicolai Michoutouchkine: Preserving Pacific Arts

Nicolai Michoutouchkine, a French artist of Russian origins, painted and collected Pacific art for more than 60 years. He was a restless, fervent promoter of the arts and crafts of this under-represented region until his death in 2010. Discover the life and work of this influential figure.

Nicolai Michoutouchkine studied in Paris, at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Montparnasse. Following the completion of his diploma, he embarked on a grand tour of the world that lasted four years, during which he visited countless countries. However, in 1957 the French authorities reminded him that his military service was overdue and he had to move immediately to the nearest French post: New Caledonia. From 1957 to 1969, Michoutouchkine served as the secretary of the Governor of New Caledonia Mr. Grimald in Nouméa. Following his military service, Michoutouchkine moved to Vanuatu where he remained for the rest of his life. From then on, he frenziedly started acquiring Pacific art through his trips to the local islands, including the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and the Rotuma Islands, Wallis, Austral and the Marquesas Islands. Throughout the years, he succeeded in building a collection of more than six thousand native artefacts such as household utensils, paintings, traditional tools, traditional clothes and weapons, fishing accessories, sculptures, engravings, musical instruments, cult objects, ornaments, architectural features, and a selection of other exquisite objects. Thanks to his determination and his curiosity, Michoutouchkine was able to collect rare and precious pieces that he found in remote locations.

Meanwhile, the artist met his lifelong partner and ‘twin brother’, the artist Aloi Piloko from Futuna Island. Piloko shared his companion’s passion for Pacific arts and together they founded the N.Michoutouckine, A.Pilioko Foundation in 1977 at Esnaar, Port Vila. This institute became a cornerstone for the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of the Pacific SIDS (Small Islands Developing States). It hosted dynamic events and workshops for local artists and actively fostered an awareness of indigenous arts. Today, parts of the collection are still being exhibited across the world in an effort to carry on the legacy of Michoutouchkine. In 2006 for instance, the foundation lent 400 objects from its collection to the popular Balinese Museum Pasifica in Nusa Dua, for no less than ten years. Michoutouchkine’s talent and energy were rewarded when he received the prestigious French medals the Chevalier des Arts et des Letters in 1975 and the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite in 1980. His death in 2010 was greeted with great sorrow across the Pacific islands. The artist spent his entire life ‘in pursuit of the sun’; he now leaves a legacy that has illuminated Pacific art for the rest of the world. By Mélissa Leclézio

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.