Nipper is an original sculpture by New Zealand artist John Allen, made from pōhutukawa roots reclaimed from fallen trees in the Auckland region.
Small, springy and full of mischief, Nipper catches that flash of puppy energy: ears pricked, weight forward, tail alert, always a half-second from darting off after something only it can see.
The pōhutukawa roots' natural grain, contours and character remain central to the finished work. An oil-and-wax finish enriches the timber's colour and grain while preserving its distinctly organic presence.
See at the "Curious" exhibition at Little Rosie, 76 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland, from 29 September to 13 October 2026.
Artwork details
Artist: John Allen
Year: 2026
Material: Reclaimed pōhutukawa root from fallen Auckland-region trees
Finish: Oil and wax
Dimensions: 180 height × 200 × 90 mm
Edition: Original, one-of-a-kind sculpture, third in the Dog series
