Tom Deko

Born and raised in Papua New Guinea, Deko grew up immersed in a rich environment of customary traditions, storytelling, and community life. From an early age, he demonstrated a keen interest in drawing and craft, often inspired by traditional patterns, ceremonial imagery, and the natural landscapes surrounding his childhood home.

Deko’s work thoughtfully bridges traditional PNG motifs with contemporary techniques, creating pieces that honour ancestral knowledge while engaging with present-day social themes. Tom Deko continues to contribute meaningfully to the development and recognition of Papua New Guinea’s contemporary art sector.

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. When I start a painting, I want the end result to be what I want others to see. I visualise myself as the viewer and paint with the intent that they see what they want to see, through my eyes. 

There have been ups and down in the journey, but, creating art has been good to me, in spite all the problems. This does not mean I’ll always be good, it is not an easy life being an artist, it is a life of struggle. 

“As a Papua New Guinean, I love to see our own people support art and appreciate art. If it means you going out of your way to invest in and collect art, that would change the perspective our people have of art. 

Our people should come out and support art and appreciate are local artists. We do not have enough support from the Government, we do have institutions created to support the arts and culture, but, they have not made an impact. 

It is the Artist’s obligation to continuously promote, raise awareness off and support the Arts & Culture through their work. 

— TOM DEKO
GICKMAI KUNDUN DENNIS LIVINAI