Emily Thomas

Emily Thomas, Lower Hutt

After completing a BA in Sociology at the University of Auckland in 2001 Emily developed an interest in costume design as a vocation where social theory and history could be integrated with artistic skills.

 Following eight years working as a full-time costume designer and maker at The Court Theatre in Christchurch, Emily has transitioned from adorning actors to adorning walls. 

Emily's work is consciously perched on the line between kitsch and curiosity-cabinet-cool, rearranging history with a wink. Her diorama boxes retain influences from her theatrical roots, creating 3D scenes with staged props and costumed characters photographed, cropped and placed into collages alongside deconstructed vintage postcard imagery.