Tom Deko
Artist Statement
Metal sculptor and painter Tom Deko was born January
4, 1965, in Bena Bena in the Eastern Highlands
of Papua New Guinea. After leaving school in 1980,
he studied Visual Arts at the University of Papua New
Guinea in Port Moresby. In 1999, he was awarded a
scholarship by the Commonwealth Society to study
in Zimbabwe, culminating in a solo exhibition of his
work at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare.
He is currently an artist in residence at the University
of Goroka.
In creating his graceful sculptures out of reclaimed
metal, Tom excels at capturing the particular energies
of his subjects. This energy might be dynamic (as in
the collaboration of musicians- a favourite subject of
his), dramatic (a warrior of uncertain strength tries to
protect a fallen comrade), or even familial (a tiny child
contemplates its towering mother). Many of his subjects
are drawn from traditional life and lore.
Deko has participated in many exhibitions within Papua
New Guinea and internationally, and has completed
a variety of major public art commissions for urban
areas in PNG. His works can be found in the collections
of the Museum of World Cultures (Museum der
Weltkulturen) in Frankfurt, Germany, and Jean-Marie
Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.