Peter Nicholls, sculptor (1936 – 2021) was born in Whanganui and died in Dunedin. Educated at the Canterbury University School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, the Auckland Teachers' College, and the University of Auckland Elam School of Fine Arts. Throughout his lengthy and prolific career, Nicholls actively responded to or paralleled internationally significant movements in sculpture. His works granted importance to New Zealand nature as well as to the land that New Zealanders inhabit. He focused his practice on New Zealand landscape and identity centering on the dynamics of sited sculpture. Nicholls’ foundational material was wood – almost always found, fallen, discarded. His works were strong, typically abstract with the titles often revealing the references. Using robust materials, sturdy construction and often demonstrating the tension of opposing forces, his works displayed a muscularity that was tempered by his sensitivity to nature.
Many of Nicholls’ works were designed for outdoor public spaces, occasionally site-specific and quite often site responsive. Some were commissioned for urban environments – Bridge (1985-86) at the University of Otago, Spine outside the Auckland Art Gallery, Toroa and Sprung Arc (1984) installed at Logan Park, Dunedin and Junction (2009-10), a particularly commanding work, was commissioned for Olympic Park, Auckland. Other works were created for rural settings such as a river work called Rakaia (1996-97) on Gibbs Farm, Kaipara Harbour or Tomo (2005-06), also a private commission on Waiheke Island, is a more refined version of Rakaia. Its steam-bent and laminated members flow through a stand of kanuka in smooth parallel curves supported by heavy metal poles referencing water and the underground streams of the area, and here, the red timbers are painted nods to the ancient Pohutukawa trees above the site. Nicholls is a descendant of the writer and missionary Rev. Richard Taylor, who was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. New Land III (1975), comprised of chiselled beams of totara, wire, and steel, is in the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.[6]
Works in this exhibition are from various series over the years. These were held back by Nicholls and are now being offered for sale. Also included are a number of maquettes used to create important public works located around New Zealand. We look forward to sharing all of these memorable works with you.
Also check out other Arts events in Dunedin, Exhibitions in Dunedin, Literary Art events in Dunedin.
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