The Waimakariri Arts Trust is delighted to welcome Simon van der Sluijs as the Guest Artist for the 2024 Kaiapoi Art Expo. 

Simon van der Sluijs (pronounced as ‘sluice’) (1954) is a multi-disciplinary artist who works across a wide variety of disciplines and mediums. His work is figurative and narrative. Simon worked as an exhibition and graphic designer and illustrator in The Netherlands before emigrating to New Zealand in 1989 where he developed a successful career as a graphic designer and artist.

From 2001 to 2009 Simon owned Allegory Art Gallery in Lichfield Street in Christchurch where he exhibited work by emerging and established artists as well as his own work.

From 2009 - 2015 he was co-founder, owner, creator and performer of ‘Tablo, The Notional Theatre Company of New Zealand’. Tablo was an exciting new addition to New Zealand’s theatrical scene, presenting everything from short films to street theatre to staged shows, resurrecting the time-honoured tradition of puppet and mask theatre for adult audiences. Tablo’s most successful show was award winning ‘In Absentia”; performed in front of sold out houses throughout New Zealand.

The last few years Simon collaborates with choreographer Fleur de Thier. Together they have produced successful theatre shows like ‘Mantra’ and ‘Requiem’ in which they combine dance, movement, puppetry and mask work, poetry and music.

Three examples of Simon's work are featured below.