Photo: D. Lepsoe
 
Metal sculptor and painter Tom Deko was born January 4, 1965, in Bena Bena in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. After leaving school in 1980, he studied Visual Arts at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. In 1999, he was awarded a scholarship by the Commonwealth Society to study in Zimbabwe, culminating in a solo exhibition of his work at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare. He is currently an artist in residence at the University of Goroka.

In creating his graceful sculptures out of reclaimed metal, Tom excels at capturing the particular energies of his subjects. This energy might be dynamic (as in the collaboration of musicians- a favourite subject of
his), dramatic (a warrior of uncertain strength tries to protect a fallen comrade), or even familial (a tiny child contemplates its towering mother). Many of his subjects are drawn from traditional life and lore. Deko has participated in many exhibitions within Papua New Guinea and internationally, and has completed a variety of major public art commissions for urban areas in PNG. His works can be found in the collections of the Museum of World Cultures (Museum der Weltkulturen) in Frankfurt, Germany, and Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, New Caledonia.