The Family

Artist : Tom Deko

Material : Recycled Oil Drums

Year Created : 1998

Special Note : The Blackfellows Gully Workshop. Sponsored by Stephen King

Artist's Location : Papua New Guinea

Type : Sculpture

Size : 1.2 x 0.6 x 1.9m

1998 Blackfellows Gully Workshop was sponsored by local sculptor/artist, Stephen King who hosted these artists on his property 'Blackfellows Gully' in the lead up to the 1998 'Sculpture by the Sea'.

Figurative work representing the artist’s love of family and village life.

Made for ‘Sculpture by the Sea’ 1998. Donated by the artist with support from ‘Sculpture by the Sea’.

THE ARTIST:

Tom Deko comes from remote PNG. He was visiting Australia to exhibit in 'Sculpture by the Sea - 1998' and was hosted by Stephen King on his property near Walcha where a subsequent sculpture workshop was held.

SHORT BIO: (ref: British Museum) Born in Bena, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea. Tom Deko was taught by Gickmai Kundun and sculptor Benny More at the National Arts School in Port Moresby, 1989-1992, and quickly become one of the leading younger artists of the time. Deko specialises in figure sculpture, creating single figures and group scenes. He uses welded sheet metal, rods, wire, old car parts. His work addresses social change, and themes include family, tribal fighting, Christianity, and the impact of Afro-American music on the younger generation in Papua New Guinea. Participated in the 1996 Asia Pacific Triennial at the Queensland Art Gallery, where he completed an entire 'scrap metal band'.