Warren Viscoe, ‘Column Vernaculus’ (1989), Massey University, Turitea Campus, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North

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

Hokowhitu Arts Trust

Massey University

Outside Science Towers A&B, Massey University, Turitea Campus, Te Papa-i-oea Palmerston North 

Column Vernaculus

Born in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Warren Viscoe first trained as a builder. He attributes his innate understanding of materials and construction in his art practice to this early use of building materials. 

After studying in London (Chelsea College of Art) and Canada (Ontario College of Art) Viscoe returned to Aotearoa to graduate with a Diploma of Fine Arts from the University of Auckland, Elam School of Fine Art,  in 1965.

Viscoe "builds" in new and found materials creating symbols of migration and technology. Conveying blended narratives of history and myth, Viscoe's works challenge and engage viewers with questions of identity and place inciting curiosity and humour .

“Wood for me is more of a culture than a medium. It takes in living forests, Māori tradition, and the pioneering drama.” ~ Viscoe