Artist Spotlight: Tom Deko
For Tom Deko, art is more than a form of expression. It is a lifelong commitment to creativity, culture, and storytelling. Through painting and sculpture, Deko has developed a distinctive artistic language that brings together Papua New Guinea's cultural traditions with contemporary ideas, materials, and influences.
Born in the Eastern Highlands Province, Tom Deko grew up surrounded by rich cultural traditions, ancient stories, and vivid landscapes. His artistic practice developed through formal studies at the National Arts School in Port Moresby, where he refined his skills in visual arts and sculpture. During this time, he became part of a generation of Papua New Guinean artists exploring new ways to express cultural identity and heritage through contemporary art.
He is particularly recognised for transforming materials such as scrap metal, old car parts, oil drums, wire, and welded sheet metal into expressive humanoid figures and scenes. What might otherwise be considered discarded or ordinary materials are given new life through his imagination and craftsmanship.
His sculptures often explore everyday life and social change in Papua New Guinea. Family, community, cultural traditions, tribal conflict, religion, music, and the influence of global pop culture have all found their way into his work. His figures are often angular and colourful, capturing movement, personality, and moments from contemporary life.
In 1996, Deko participated in the Second Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, an exhibition that brought together artists from across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. His contribution included his distinctive metal sculpture practice, placing Papua New Guinean contemporary art within a broader international conversation.
Deko also represented Papua New Guinea internationally through exhibitions and artist residencies. He completed a seven-month residency in Zimbabwe, where he was influenced by local artists and their approaches to stone sculpture. His art has since been exhibited across New Caledonia, Zimbabwe, and other international settings, with works held in collections including the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Nouméa and the Museum of Ethnology in Frankfurt.
His connection with Australia also led to the creation of several significant sculptures. In 1998, Deko participated in the Blackfellows Gully Workshop near Walcha, New South Wales, where he created The Family from recycled oil drums.
While sculpture remains an important part of his practice, Deko's paintings demonstrate another side of his artistic vision. His colourful, expressive compositions often feature recognisable figures and forms alongside abstract elements. Across both painting and sculpture, his work demonstrates an interest in movement, people, culture, and the changing world around him.
He speaks openly about the challenges that come with a life dedicated to art, acknowledging that the journey has had its ups and downs. Yet his commitment to creating has remained constant.
For Deko, being an artist also carries a responsibility to contribute to the wider cultural landscape of Papua New Guinea. He believes that local artists need to be supported, appreciated, and given opportunities to share their work, while audiences have an important role to play in building a stronger culture of art appreciation and collecting.
"As a Papua New Guinean, I love to see our own people support art and appreciate art."
His belief in the role of artists extends beyond creating individual works. Deko sees art as a way of promoting awareness, celebrating culture, and encouraging greater appreciation for Papua New Guinea's creative identity.
"It is the Artist's obligation to continuously promote, raise awareness of and support the Arts & Culture through their work."
Tom Deko's career reflects the possibilities that emerge when cultural heritage, contemporary influences, experimentation, and a lifelong commitment to creativity come together. From welded scrap metal sculptures to vibrant paintings, his work continues to tell stories about Papua New Guinea, its people, and a society experiencing change.
Through his distinctive artistic voice, Deko has contributed to a generation of Papua New Guinean artists who have helped bring the country's contemporary art to wider audiences. His work remains a reminder that art can preserve culture while also questioning, interpreting, and responding to the world around us.
For Deko, however, the path has always remained clear: to create.
"It has never been my intention or even a consideration to deviate or walk another path. I want to create art every time, because I love it."