Shane Dudley is a contemporary sculptor whose work masterfully intertwines his Pākehā and Māori heritage, creating artworks that explore New Zealand’s complex cultural landscape. Deeply inspired by the country’s volcanic terrain, layered history, and dynamic stories, Shane’s pieces reflect themes of identity, resilience, and transformation while inviting viewers to engage with both historical and contemporary narratives.

Shane’s artistic journey began with hand-applied sign-writing and specialist concrete crafting, skills that laid the foundation for his unique approach to mixed media. Using cement and coloured oxides applied to Hardie’s board canvases, he achieves a striking, tactile effect that mimics the weight and texture of stone without the bulk. This signature technique allows Shane to create large, visually commanding statement pieces that are equally at home in corporate collections, galleries, and private homes around the world.

Shane’s work has garnered international attention, with pieces held in collections across New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. He has been commissioned for high-profile projects, including the Lomu-Crowe T20 trophy, celebrating the legacies of New Zealand sporting legends Jonah Lomu and Martin Crowe. The design, inspired by a Māori toki (adze) and enhanced with steel and copper wire detailing, exemplifies Shane’s ability to merge cultural heritage with contemporary form.

Committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary sculpture, Shane continues to evolve his practice, experimenting with texture, scale, and form. Each piece is a conversation between past and present, heritage and innovation, inviting audiences to experience New Zealand’s stories through a fresh, textured lens.

Shane and his wife Mandy live north of Auckland, where he continues to create art that resonates locally and internationally, cementing his reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary sculptors.