Exhibitions

Jeff Thomson – Transmute

15 August - 12 September 2026

New works by New Zealand's master of corrugated iron art, embracing themes from throughout his career. (Click on images for more details, price etc of individual works). The latest works move from the rawness of his used iron sculptures, into a purity of rich colour and smooth surface in new works of anodised aluminium. He transforms his bouquets in this medium, celebrating shape and form, here inspired by leaves and flora collected on the beaches of Muriwai and the Kaipara Harbour. His sought-after kete too, have been transformed, from the rough used iron medium of the past into uplifted colour of anodised aluminium. Anchoring the exhibition are dramatic 'knot' wall sculptures - hand-braided strips of used, painted iron, woven into distinctive forms like a Fireman's chairlift, a traditional Pacific rug, and a glowing 'Lucky Knot'. Thomson's playfulness transforms Meccano and tin toys, corrugated, rebuilt, as well as a new series of 'Still Life' recreated from everyday objects like fire extinguishers, gas cylinders, oxygen bottles, a toolbox, an American jerry can and an olive oil can. A magnificent large bouquet and a giant Mahoe leaf, rusty and burned, hark back to earlier series for which Thomson is well known. Finally, he 'nails it' with new cast lead roofing nails, embedded in screenprinted roofing iron, from a series initiated decades ago during a residency in Whanganui.