Biography


Christian Nicolson (b. 1971) is a New Zealand artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores history, nostalgia, and the natural world around him. Influenced by his coastal upbringing in the 1980s, his work is marked by expressive mark-making, vivid colour, and conceptual play. Nicolson’s large-scale sculptures and emotive paintings are rooted in freedom, humour, and personal history. A former designer, he brings visual clarity and narrative energy to each piece. Recurring themes include childhood, identity, nudity, sci-fi, and the passage of time. Christian has a sense of humour and often expresses it in his work. With a strong exhibition history and works held in public and private collections, Nicolson continues to forge a distinctive, enduring artistic voice.

Awards/Distinctions

  • Wallace Art Awards – Finalist (2017, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007)
  • Fulbright Awards – Finalist (2017, 2013)
  • New Zealand Magazine Awards, Designer of the Year (2004)

Solo Exhibitions

A Retrospective, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2019); My 70’s Show, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2019); Places to Be, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2018); Flower Power, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2018); OK Salami, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2015); Places to be Naked,  Matakana, Auckland (2015); I Love Summer, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2014); A Low Budget Universe, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2012); Little Bigger Surfer, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2012); 1987, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2011);  Bionic Boy, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2010); Video Killed the Radio Star Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2009); Little Surfer, The Parnell Gallery, Parnell, Auckland (2009); This Means War, The Wallace Trust Gallery, Queen Street, Auckland Central, (2008); Little Treasures, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2008); Little Mischief, Satellite Gallery, Newton, Auckland, (2008); Little Warrior, Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2007); 100 Trees Satellite Gallery, Newton, Auckland and Art by The Sea, Devonport, Auckland (2006); XYZ, Lake House Art Centre, Takapuna, Auckland (2003);  Toi Toi Experiment, Artstation, Ponsonby, Auckland and The Depot Artspace, Devonport. Auckland (2002); Nudy Landscape, The Depot Artspace, Devonport, Auckland (2002); Moody Landscape, Textures Gallery, Auckland (2002).

Public Exhibitions

Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke, Auckland (2015, 2013, 2011, 2009); Sculpture on the Shore, Narrowneck, Auckland (2012, 2010, 2008, 2006); The Wallace Awards Salon des Refusés, ; Low Flying Cars Sculpture Symposium, Dairy Flat, Auckland (2009); Lake House Sculpture Syposium, Takapuna, Auckland (2009, 2007, 2005, 2003); The Wallace Awards Traveling Exhibition, Aotea Centre Auckland and The New Dowse, Wellington (2008); Ellerslie Flower Show, Auckland (2007); Matakana Sculpture Symposium, Matakana, Auckland (2006, 2005); Art in the Woolshed, Tawharanui Regional Park, Warkworth (2006).

Public Commissions

Art on the Beach, Piha, Installation commissioned by Lopdell House Gallery, Waitakere City, Auckland (2006)

Publications/Articles

Artists’ Impressions of New Zealand’ by Denis Robinson (2011); New Zealand’s Island Ruled by Artists by Stephen Phelan, The Guardian, (1 July 2011); ‘Big Balsa’ by Steven Shaw, Make: Magazine, Issue 18, pp 21;  ‘New Zealand on Canvas’ by Denis Robinson (2009), ‘NZ’s Favourite Artists 2’ by Denis Robinson (2008), ‘Toi Story’ by Kerri McDonald, Pulp Cinematic Magazine; Issue 29, pp 26, Aug/Sep 2002.

Public Collections

 The Arts House Trust, Auckland

Other Achievements

This Giant Papier Mache Boulder Is Actually Really Heavy
(Feature Film: Writer/Director/ Producer – 2016)
  • Winner Best Comedy – Boston Sci Fi Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Best Comedy – London Sci Fi Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Best Comedy – Miami Sci Fi Film Festival 2017
  • Winner Best Sci Fi – Gencon Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Best Independent Film (Supreme award) – Starburst Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Best Production Design – The Zone Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Staff Choice Best Feature – Another Hole in the Head Film Festival 2016
  • Winner Sir Julius Vogel Award 2017

Artist Statement

I like to be creative. Explore ideas in different ways and different mediums. I have made many sculptures. Made large installations in the landscape. I use photography, paint, screen printing, play in a rock band, I make videos and film. We are all different. This is my way.
Do what you enjoy. It’s the best way.

About Me


I was a designer for many years until finally I realised this was not really what I was meant to do. So I left the world of art directing ads and magazines and logos and followed a dream that had been nagging me for too long. That is how I love to live my life now. Creating my own work for me in the hope that others may share in what I do. It’s not easy though. Because I still have to eat. Design has always played a pivotal part in what I do and I value this highly. But it’s great when the only client is me.