Christian Nicolson

Christian Nicolson (b. 1971) is a New Zealand artist known for his playful, expressive, and nostalgic work that draws on his 1980s coastal upbringing. His multidisciplinary practice, spanning painting, sculpture, and conceptual pieces explores themes of childhood, identity, humour, and the passage of time. Formerly a designer, Nicolson combines visual clarity with narrative energy, often infusing his art with wit and personal storytelling.

Reflecting on his youth, Nicolson recalls a simpler era of freedom and connection before technology dominated daily life. He fondly remembers shared cultural touchpoints like TV shows and radio stories such as Dinkey Pinkey, a tale about a young elephant who finds his unique voice symbolising creativity, individuality, and self-discovery.