Peter Nicholls was born in Whanganui in 1936. He died in Dunedin in 2021. Educated at Canterbury University of Fine Arts, Christchurch; Auckland Teachers’ College, and Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland, he gained a Masters in Sculpture at the University of Wisconsin (Superior) USA.
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), University of Otago, Spine, Auckland Art Gallery, and Junction (2009-10), a particularly commanding work, commissioned for Olympic Park, Auckland. Other works were created for rural settings – his 60m long river work Rakaia (1996-97) Gibbs Farm, Kaipara Harbour and his 90m long Tomo (2005-06), Waiheke Island. Tomo’s 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, the red painted timbers a nod to the ancient Pohutukawa trees above the site.
Works in this exhibition come from various series created over the years. They include some of Nicholls’ favourite pieces, among them a cross made in the style of his larger Crossings works (1990-92) and works from his Seedings series (2000-2008). Also included are maquettes, proposals and working drawing for some of his larger works, and a selection of graphite and pastel drawings of local landscapes. We look forward to sharing all of these memorable works with you.
Nicholls is a descendant of the writer and missionary Rev. Richard Taylor, who was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Solo shows – 32 since 1972 – New Zealand, USA
Group shows – New Zealand, South Korea, Australia
Public collections – USA, Australia, New Zealand
Major public commission works – New Zealand, Canada
- New Lynn, Auckland – JUNCTION, 2009.
- Manukau City Pacific Event Centre – FRANGIPANI LEI, 2006
- Dunedin, Custom House harbour development – TOROA (1999)
- Auckland – Aurora, Central Park Penrose – MAMAKU (1988)
- Dunedin – University of Otago – BRIDGE (1985)
- Auckland – University of Auckland – MEASURE (1981)
- City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada – COUNTERPOISE (1978)
Major private commissions
- Connells Bay sculpture park, Waiheke Island, John Gow – TOMO (2005)
- Allan Gibbs Farm, North Auckland – RAKAIA (1996/7)
- Private collection, Auckland, Luff (1988/9)
Works held in Public Art Galleries
- Te Papa, Wellington
- Auckland City Art Gallery
- Dunedin Public Art Gallery
- Manawatu Art Gallery, Palmerston North
- Sarjeant Art Gallery, Whanganui
- Christchurch Art Gallery
- Southland, Invercargill
- Eastern Southland, Gore
- Dowse Art Gallery (Lower Hutt)
Bibliography: Wystan Curnow, Michael Dunn, David Eggleton, Cassandra Fusco, Hamish Keith, Peter Leach, Alexa Johnson, Bridie Lonie, Priscilla Pitts, Ian Wedde and others,