Jeff Thomson, ‘Grazing Cows’ (c.1991), Massey University, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

Images: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2022

Winterfest Guest Artist in Residence

Massey University

Concourse southern side, Library Embankment, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

Grazing Cows

Jeff Thomson, ‘Corrugated Spiral’ (1997), University of Canterbury, Ōtautahi Christchurch

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021

University of Canterbury

Foyer of Central Lecture Theatres (C Block), University of Canterbury, Ilam Campus, Ōtautahi Christchurch

Corrugated Spiral

Jeff Thomson grew up in Auckland and graduated from the University of Auckland, Elam School of Art, in 1981.

A seminal moment in Thomson's practice occurred in 1980 at Portobello, 20km out of Dunedin. Thomson started observing and collecting the things he found on the roadsides during his walks in rural and urban areas. This led to the 'Rural Letterbox Sculpture' series, Thomson's first body of work to gain national recognition.

Thomson has continued to forged a career working with metal and playing with notions of accessibility, to develop a unique and playful sculptural style reflecting roadside folk art.