Karley Feaver

Karley Feaver is an internationally recognized sculptor known for her surreal and thought-provoking work that bridges traditional taxidermy and modern sculpture. Her art is a deep dive into the human relationship with the natural world.

Karley’s work is a profound exploration of the connection between humans, cherished objects, and the natural world. She transcends traditional sculpture, using a surreal and poetic approach to blur the lines between life and death, past and present. Her creative process is deeply personal, transforming objects that hold significant meaning—be they natural artifacts or personal belongings—into evocative vessels of memory and emotion.

Drawing inspiration from animism and botanical forms, Karley’s sculptures merge traditional taxidermy with flora and fauna to create a dialogue between the external world and our inner selves. Each piece is an invitation to contemplation, transforming the body of work into a boundary-less space where nostalgia, grief, and love are held and nurtured. The use of the vessel symbolizes a safe, protected space where even the most intimate and incommunicable memories can be preserved and acknowledged.

Karley fundamentally challenges perceptions of taxidermy, moving it beyon...

Ongoing - Continuous self-learning
2009 to 2013 - Docent at the McCahon House
2009 - Professional Arts Development with Artsbiz and Artstation
2009 - Experimental Painting with Peter Gibson Smith
1999 - Unitec – Bachelor of Design, 3D Design
1997 to 1999 - Wellington Design School, Victoria University, Bachelor of Design, Industrial Design

Sept 2025 - Uncontainable Nature (Art in the Park), Auckland
June 2024 - Objects of a Human, Auckland
Aug 2021 - Art of Death Wild Places, Mansfield House, Wellington
Aug 2020 - The Messengers, 12Gallery Auckland
Dec 2019 - Under My Skin, Allpress Gallery Auckland
Sept 2019 - Art of Death, Highwic House Auckland
July 2013 - Becoming Otherwise, Saatchi & Saatchi Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand
October 2012 - Creaturely Wonders, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand
August 2011 - TARRED & feathered, (2 person) – Pop-up gallery, Auckland
July 2010 - Interviews with Escapists, The Depot Artspace, Auckland, New Zealand

Collections

2013 - The Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland, New Zealand
2013 - Westpac New Zealand Corporate collection, Auckland. Acquisition of 2 works.