The Bold and the Beautiful

by Debra Thompson

Date: Oct 3 – Oct 16Space: Small Gallery

Based in Hawke’s Bay, Debra Thompson is a contemporary mixed media artist known for bold, colourful works that celebrate pop culture and iconic personalities. Living and working in the region, Debra has exhibited solo since 2017, received several awards, and contributed works to institutions such as ToiToi – Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre.

Drawing inspiration from Takashi Murakami, Andy Warhol, and the post-impressionists, Debra fuses historical and modern influences to create vibrant, eye-catching pieces that speak to both nostalgia and the present moment. Portraiture is at the heart of Debra’s practice, with a particular focus on figures who have made a lasting cultural impact—Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Twiggy, Sir Edmund Hillary, and David Attenborough, among others. Working primarily in acrylic on board with occasional touches of spray paint, each painting aims to capture the essence of its subject in a way that feels fresh, expressive, and unexpected.

Cover image: ‘Twilight at the Jaipur Polo Club’, Debra Thompson, Acrylic on Canvas, 40 x 60 inches, $6300.

‘Twilight at the Jaipur Polo Club’ is a lively moment caught between chukkas, where the real action isn’t on the field but behind the scenes. At 40 x 60 inches, this acrylic on canvas piece—with its glossy resin finish—captures two grooms tending to the horses, the team manager deep in discussion, and two players mid-reset, all while the umpire cheekily reaches for the picnic basket. Set against the fading light of Jaipur, it’s a snapshot of camaraderie, tradition, and that rare pause in the game when everyone exhales.

Opening Night 3rd October 5-7pm