Benjamin Work (born 1979,
Auckland, New Zealand) is an artist from
New Zealand with Tongan and
Scottish heritage.[1] He is well known for his murals across New Zealand, as well as his paintings inspired by his genealogy back to
Tonga.[2][3]
Drawing on his Tongan heritage, Work began to explore new directions in his art over the last decade. Inspired by the iconography found on Tongan treasures such as
ngatu (bark cloth), fala (Tongan mats), and 'akau tau (war clubs), his refined, graphic paintings aimed to find new spaces and ways for audiences to engage with Tonga's visual culture. Work's art found a home both inside institutions and on the streets.[2]
Work's early life was marked by a diverse cultural upbringing, a passion for art, and a deep exploration of his Tongan heritage. He has developed a deep interest in and conducted extensive research on aspects of Tongan history and culture.[4] This exploration has allowed him to incorporate elements of Tongan traditions and symbols into his artwork, creating a unique fusion of contemporary and cultural influences. Work is part of the
urban art movement and has exhibited in
Australia,
Mexico, New Zealand,
United States,
Cook Islands, and
Tonga.[4]
In 2021, Work created a big 330-square-metre mural Motutapu II across the floor and up two walls of
Canterbury Museum inspired by the distinctive carved patterns on Tongan ‘akau tau (war clubs) in the museum’s collection.[6]
In 2023, Work curated Tukufakaholo, Tongan Contemporary, at
Bergman Gallery, featuring 8 Tongan artists from
Auckland.[7]
Work's work are held public and private collections throughout New Zealand, such as in
Auckland Museum,[8] Canterbury Museum,[9] and The Arts House Trust.[10]