In the late 1960s, dark things began to emerge from Tony Fomison’s paintings. His monsters, misfits, and medical deformities challenged polite society, and explored what it means to be an outsider.

This was a particularly troubled period in Fomison’s life. He had just returned to Christchurch from travels in Europe and was broke, grappling with drug addiction, and cynical about society.

Yet the humanity of his grotesque paintings resonated profoundly with many – making him one of the most important New Zealand painters of his generation.

Tony Fomison: Lost in the Dark is a collaboration between Wellington High School students and Te Papa.

Students workshopped the theme of ‘otherness’ in Fomison’s work, which helped shape our creative approach.

Response wall

Tony Fomison: Lost in the Dark is a collaboration between Wellington High School students and Te Papa.

Students workshopped the theme of ‘otherness’ in Fomison’s work, which helped shape our creative approach. They also designed a response wall – so you can share your own thoughts about Fomison’s paintings in the exhibition space.

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