Cordula Taiwo

Cordula grew up "free-range" in a small town in Germany before studying Philosophy and Japanology at the University of Hamburg. Supported by scholarships, she moved to Japan to immerse herself in the language, culture, and philosophy of the region. There, she led a quiet, monastic life while completing her Master’s in Buddhist Philosophy. While visiting a friend in New Zealand, Cordula fell in love with the "Kiwi way" of life. She subsequently relocated, trained as a high school teacher, and has remained in education ever since. As a self-taught artist, her creative practice has evolved into her ikigai. She cherishes the meditative journey and the liberation that painting offers, constantly exploring new media, viewpoints, and techniques. While she is inspired by landscapes and abstraction, Cordula is most deeply drawn to the human experience—shared joys, sufferings, hopes, and dreams. Through portraiture, she seeks to capture compassion, connection, and the profound depth of the human spirit. She invites others to join her on this artistic journey toward a more mindful life and a wisdom that is accessible to all. Her solo exhibitions, Becoming (The Back Studio, Oct 2021) and Art Seeks Wisdom (The Incubator, May 2024), explored the threads that connect us. This theme of connection recurred in Cordula's recent February 2026 solo exhibition at Thistle Hall in Wellington, Of A Wild God, which centered on the life and work of Nick Cave.