Tony Fomison

Although originally trained as a sculptor, Tony Fomison (1939-1990) is primarily known for his painting. After finishing art school in Christchurch, he spent some time in Europe studying the Old Masters such as Bellinni, Holbein, Caravaggio and Fra Angelico whose work was to have a major influence on his career. Much of the rest of his life was spent in Auckland.

Fomison also had a great interest in depicting other cultures. Unlike many artists before him however, he did this from a personal point of view rather than as an observer from the outside. He became deeply involved in the local Maori and Samoan communities, to the extent that “Fomison, born into a Pakeha working-class Christchurch family became, at least in part, self identified as Samoan.” (Simon During, Fomison: What Shall We Tell Them?, Wellington City Gallery, 1994). In 1979 this extended to his receiving the pe’a - the traditional Samoan tattoo that extends up the wearer's legs and buttocks.

Fomison’s subject matter was varied and also included religious subjects, Maori prophets, mythical figures, Polynesian ancestors, gurners, puppets, portraits, landscapes, self-portraits and studies of the dead and dying. If anything, his portrayal of character may be seen to be a consistent theme. The characters in his paintings are figurative and typically dark, brooding and imbued with a scene of mortality in their depiction of the human psyche. Whatever the subject however, Fomison’s work is distinctive in style and recognisable for his extraordinary command of his chosen medium. Often, when canvas was not available, he would improvise using materials as diverse as dartboards, biscuit tins and chairs as his support. Rather than detracting from the works, these supports add an idiosyncratic element to the work - reflecting the artist himself.

During the 1970s, when he moved to Auckland, Fomison spent a lot of time with artists Philip Clairmont and Allen Maddox, with whom he shared similar views. Described as the ‘enfant terribles’ of the New Zealand art world, they lived art as life and life as art. Fomison is now considered one of New Zealand's most highly regarded artists who, through his art, helped the country redefine and reshape itself to reflect its unique South Pacific identity. Fomison’s work is held in all major public and private collections throughout New Zealand and abroad.