Nick Austin
Life Puzzle
10 February – 29 April 2023
Life Puzzle is the first substantial exhibition to survey the work of Ōtepoti-based artist Nick Austin. Featuring works produced over the last 15 years selected and arranged by the artist, it was first presented at the Whangārei Art Museum, in the town where he was born and grew up. Austin describes the exhibition’s presentation as being “in the manner of a person who, late in the evening, gazing into the middle distance asks: ‘How the heck did I get here?’.” Austin’s work is hard to pin down. He takes everyday objects and re-imagines them differently. While a first reaction is to laugh – what is that shark fin doing inside a DLE envelope? –Austin describes his intention as being to “articulate familiar senses – anticipation, uncertainty, the difficulty of communication – in unfamiliar ways.” Life Puzzle consists of drawings, paintings and sculptures that nod knowingly to the histories of surrealist, modernist, conceptual and minimalist art and offer wry observations on life, using visual puns and wordplays to amusing and serious effect. For the iteration at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery the artist has recreated the wall painting, The Town Wrist Watch (2014), the brick wall piece Panadol (2007), and Coffee Tables (2012), an over-scaled papier-mache mug perched on two coffee tables.
Nick Austin was born in Whangārei in 1979. He received a Bachelor of Visual Arts from Auckland University of Technology in 2001 and a Master of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, in 2004. He has exhibited throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and in Australia, United States and Europe. In 2012 he was the Frances Hodgkins Fellow at the University of Otago in Dunedin, where he now lives.
Nick Austin, Toothbrush Cycle, 2016, acrylic on aluminium composite board, four parts, University of Auckland Art Collection; Milk Bottle Abstract #2, 2016, acrylic on canvas board, private collection; The Road Code, 2015, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Toothbrush Cycle, 2016, acrylic on aluminium composite board, four parts, University of Auckland Art Collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Milk Bottle Abstract #2, 2016, acrylic on canvas board, private collection; The Road Code, 2015, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, H̶e̶r̶i̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶A̶d̶v̶o̶c̶a̶c̶y̶ Untitled, 2022, Lego bricks, clay bricks, custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, H̶e̶r̶i̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶A̶d̶v̶o̶c̶a̶c̶y̶ Untitled, 2022, Lego bricks, clay bricks, custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection; The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki; Ghosts, 2007, acrylic on newspaper, nine parts, collection of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Ghosts, 2007, acrylic on newspaper, nine parts, collection of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, detail of Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, detail of The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Drugs, 2013–16, acrylic on canvas, two parts, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker.
Nick Austin, Drugs, 2013–16, acrylic on canvas, two parts, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker.
Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Egg Jersey #3, 2022, knitted jersey, egg shells; Booger, 2005, toothbrush, shoelace; Casuals, 2011, acrylic on canvas, with found object, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Egg Jersey #3, 2022, knitted jersey, egg shells, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Booger, 2005, toothbrush, shoelace, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington.Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Casuals, 2011, acrylic on canvas, with found object, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Panadol, 2007/ 2023, bricks, mortar, pillow, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Erased Tattoo, 2014, acrylic on canvas, Wallace Arts Trust Collection, Auckland. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Map Island, 2013, acrylic on board, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Untitled, 2013, acrylic on canvas, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Metaphysical Present (Balloons), 2020, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #4, #5, #6, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #2, #4, #5, #6, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #5, #7, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Shark Envelope #7, 2013, acrylic on canvas, Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection.
Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Metaphysical Present (Balloons), 2020, acrylic on canvas; Metaphysical Presents #1, 2019, acrylic on canvas, three parts, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Life, Post Cricket, 2020–22, found books and custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Weird Weather, 2011, flashe on card, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington; What your Handwriting Reveals, 2012, acrylic and marker pen on canvas, private collection; Lettuce Poems, 2012, flashe on canvas, Hocken Collection Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago, Dunedin. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, I’m Pregnant, 2017, pencil on pillowcase, pillow, private collection; Priorities, 2006, acrylic on newspaper, private collection; 2020, 2020, flashe on aluminium composite board with hand-painted frame; Weird Weather, 2011, flashe on card, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Aquarium (with page), 2011, flashe on newspaper, glass, metal fittings, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki; Travelling Envelope, #9, #1, #4, #2, 2012, acrylic on newspaper, courtesy of various collections; I’m Pregnant, 2017, pencil on pillowcase, pillow, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Travelling Envelope #9, 2012, acrylic on newspaper, 575 x 785mm, Courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington.
Nick Austin, Aquarium (with briefcase), 2011, flashe on newspaper, private collection; Aquarium (with cave), 2012, flashe on newspaper, private collection; Coffee Tables, 2012/2023, flashe and carton-pierre on polystyrene, furniture, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery; Aquarium (with mug), 2009, flashe on newspaper, 575 x 785mm, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker
Nick Austin, Coffee Tables, 2012/2023, flashe and carton-pierre on polystyrene, furniture, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery; Aquarium (with mug), 2009, flashe on newspaper, 575 x 785 mm, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker