Neil Dawson has established an international reputation for his innovative sculpture and is widely acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s leading and most prominent sculptors.

Dawson explores the boundaries of reality and illusion creating works that defy convention. The transparency of his mesh and aluminium forms resists precise definition and challenges the viewer perceptions of space, volume, weight and movement. “They defy the weight and intractability of steel to become delicate filigreed crystals….Interlacing geometric patterns used by Dawson to blur the boundaries between the tangible and the intangible, the real and imagined.” (1)

The interplay of patterned shadows, diametrically present in the form and the immediate space it occupies, allows several viewpoints that materialise or disappear as the viewer moves around interacting with the work. Adding colouristic vibrancy to the conception, the contrasting colour of the forms inner surface is absorbed into the pattern shadow by reflected light.

Belying their solid construction, the tapered conical forms of Dawson’s Vanishing Points seemingly float in space whilst complex patterns of geometric shapes interact, overlap and metamorphose in a persistent state of fluxus. As if upon the verge of temporary existence, points of reference transform and vanish in a coordinate system of dimension.

Works from Dawson’s Sweep series reach across spatial dimensions in a dynamic sweeping arc evoking gravity-defying lightness and swift momentum.

In smaller works such as Thoughts On Ice – Wall (2006), “the intrigue is founded on the incongruity of size and scale, place and displacement, the determined presence of human activity.” (2)

1. Christopher Moore, The Press, 10 November 2004.
2. Sally Blundell “The Outsider,” Listener, 26 November 2005.