In a world where the digital and commercial often dominate, Cinzah reminds us of something deeper: connection. As a muralist and tattoo artist, his work weaves stories onto walls and skin alike. In this Q&A, Cinzah shares how he sees art as a timeless human anchor—bringing people together, fostering meaning, and reminding us there’s a shared humanity worth celebrating.
How are you personally adapting to a creative landscape that’s shifting with technology like AI?
The world is in a constant state of flux, with shifting perspectives and rapidly developing technology. AI, whether we love it or hate it, is here to stay. Personally, I don’t feel it belongs within the arts. I’d rather let technology handle the mundane aspects of life, things like accounting, tax, and admin, so I can protect and prioritise the time I dedicate to creativity.
I’m a bit of an old-school purist. I value the human trait of creativity - working with my hands and keeping a craft alive. That’s where I find meaning in my practice.
What gives you hope or inspiration when you think about the future of artistry?
I believe there will be a shift back toward handmade, handcrafted work. People crave the human touch, something unique and original.
I predominantly paint murals and tattoo, both of which require highly specialised skills developed over many years. Tattooing, in particular, is an intimate experience built on trust and connection. Marking someone’s body for life is a profound responsibility and a real privilege. It creates a bond between artist and client that technology could never replace.
Hand-painted murals also carry a sense of soul, expression, and personality that can’t be replicated through print. They hold the imprint of the individual who created them, offering meaning, connection, and a sense of pride of place for the community.
What advice would you share with younger artists who might feel unsure about pursuing creativity now?
I’d encourage them to diversify their skill set, be flexible, open-minded, and adaptable. Understanding the business side of art is just as important as developing creative skills, so gaining knowledge in that area can be invaluable.
Most importantly, follow a path that feels true to you. Be honest about your drive and creative direction. Don’t try to fit in, focus on what you genuinely love and build from there.
How do you ensure that your creative work continues to have a unique, human signature?
I draw constantly, often straight from my imagination. With murals, I use techniques that emphasise mark-making, visible brushstrokes that capture movement, energy, and expression.
In tattooing, I prefer to work freehand, drawing directly onto the body. This allows me to design in harmony with muscle tone, flow around existing tattoos, and create something truly unique for each client. I find this process more natural and expressive than working from stencils, and it ensures every piece is one of a kind.
Can you share a moment where you felt proud of helping shape the creative spirit of others?
In 2016 and 2017, I organised two international mural festivals in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, where I live. Together, we created over 50 murals across the town, alongside workshops in schools, exhibitions, cultural and environmental excursions, a film festival, and artist panel discussions.
Many of those murals are still standing today and have helped shape the visual identity of the town. I’ve heard from teachers who actively use them as educational tools, which is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud of the volunteers and workers who were involved in supporting the festival and artists participating, many of which were students and aspiring artists and have gone on to become established muralists and gallery artists.
Being able to contribute to my community in this way, adding beauty, meaning, and a sense of connection to everyday spaces is something I value deeply.
Created for the group exhibition Your Name’s on the Door, this work features a large-scale botanical form set against a dark, enveloping background. The painting explores themes of growth, presence, and vulnerability, inviting viewers to consider ideas of belonging and what it means to occupy space within a collective.
Uncultivated Growth
Mural installation | 5-day artist feature residency
Main foyer, The MTG, Napier, Hawke’s Bay
Created during a five-day artist feature residency, Uncultivated Growth is a large-scale mural installation painted in the main foyer of The MTG, Napier. The work continues the artist’s ongoing exploration of re-wilding urban spaces through larger-than-life botanical forms.
The project was commissioned by MTG Hawke’s Bay.
Created in 2021, this mural brings a sense of urban gardening to the heart of Wellington City, planting large-scale botanical forms within the built environment of Martin Square. The work continues the artist’s interest in re-introducing nature into dense urban settings, using enlarged floral imagery to soften architecture and create moments of pause and connection at street level.
The mural was commissioned by Vicinity Group in partnership with CML Holdings and is located on M2, a four-storey residential apartment building in Wellington Central. Through scale and placement, the work contributes to the evolving public realm of Martin Square, offering a vivid and accessible artwork for residents and passersby alike.
Specialising in illustrative black and grey work, creating one-of-a-kind pieces. He currently tattoos out of Blue Lagoon Tattoo Studio in the heart of NZ Napier CBD, working alongside a highly skilled team of artists. Cinzah approaches each tattoo as a collaborative process, valuing trust, care, and craftsmanship in every piece.