Neil Dawson b. 1948

For over 40 years Neil Dawson has worked at the forefront of public sculpture in New Zealand. Though laser cut steel, his sculptures appear to defy gravity-offering ever changing perspectives of space, light, and shadow, and providing delicate levity to an otherwise heavy medium. Drawing from flora and fauna, building materials, or porcelain patterns, Dawson infuses intricate detailing.

Christchurch born in 1948, Neil achieved a Diploma of Fine Arts (Honours) from Canterbury University in 1970 and a Graduate Diploma in Sculpture from Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts in 1973. He has worked as a full-time sculptor since the late 1980s; representing New Zealand at the Sydney Biennale in 1988, and at Magiciens de la Terre, Georges Pompidou Centre, Paris in 1989. Dawson was also awarded an Arts Laureate by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand and has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

His work can be found in public and private collections in New Zealand and across the globe. Wellington and Christchurch are home to highly significant works such as Ferns in Civic Square and Chalice in Cathedral Square respectively. Notable international public sculptures include installations in Sydney, Manchester, Paris, and Shanghai.