Stunning new Feathers and woven kete redolent of coastal New Zealand.
Jeff Thomson
25 February to 26 March 2023
Jeff Thomson brings together a full collection of his sought-after Feather sculptures for the first time, in this much awaited solo exhibition. For more background on the artist and works, scroll down below the images.
Jeff Thomson brings together a full collection of his sought-after Feather sculptures for the first time, in this much awaited solo exhibition. From small and jaunty Feathers, speaking of rural and coastal life, to larger than life Feathers with breathtaking scale and subtlety, these create a dramatic effect on entering the gallery, a kind of hallowed space.
Thomson gathers and studies feathers from beaches and bays, often near his home north of Auckland, for inspiration around the effects of sand, wind and water… and his works are redolent of the old corrugated iron clad buildings along the coast – baches, barns, shelters from salt and storm, prompting memory of past lives, friends and family.
He specialised in painting and printmaking rather than sculpture at Elim (Auckland University) and that influences his artistic approach today – reflecting his interest in paint, colour and texture. ‘It’s just the paint and colour I use, have been applied by others, whilst painting their fences and roofs…’
We’re delighted also to feature two of his much admired Kete sculptures – woven from used iron in a process taught to him by a neighbour, a noted Māori weaver, when he lived in Hawkes Bay.