Nick Austin, Toothbrush Cycle, 2016, acrylic on aluminium composite board, four parts, University of Auckland Art Collection; Milk Bottle Abstract #2, 2016, acrylic on canvas board, private collection; The Road Code, 2015, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Toothbrush Cycle, 2016, acrylic on aluminium composite board, four parts, University of Auckland Art Collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Milk Bottle Abstract #2, 2016, acrylic on canvas board, private collection; The Road Code, 2015, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, H̶e̶r̶i̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶A̶d̶v̶o̶c̶a̶c̶y̶ Untitled, 2022, Lego bricks, clay bricks, custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, H̶e̶r̶i̶t̶a̶g̶e̶ ̶A̶d̶v̶o̶c̶a̶c̶y̶ Untitled, 2022, Lego bricks, clay bricks, custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection; The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki; Ghosts, 2007, acrylic on newspaper, nine parts, collection of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, The Postie, 2005, concrete, skateboard, shoes, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Ghosts, 2007, acrylic on newspaper, nine parts, collection of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, detail of Unfinished Couch, 2017, acrylic and carton-pierre on polystyrene, collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, detail of The Town Wrist Watch, 2014/2023, wall painting, courtesy of the artist; The Town Wrist Watch, 2014, coloured pencil on paper, framed drawing, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Drugs, 2013–16, acrylic on canvas, two parts, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker.

Nick Austin, Drugs, 2013–16, acrylic on canvas, two parts, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker.

Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Egg Jersey #3, 2022, knitted jersey, egg shells; Booger, 2005, toothbrush, shoelace; Casuals, 2011, acrylic on canvas, with found object, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Egg Jersey #3, 2022, knitted jersey, egg shells, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Booger, 2005, toothbrush, shoelace, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington.Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, TePātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Casuals, 2011, acrylic on canvas, with found object, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Panadol, 2007/ 2023, bricks, mortar, pillow, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Erased Tattoo, 2014, acrylic on canvas, Wallace Arts Trust Collection, Auckland. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Map Island, 2013, acrylic on board, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Untitled, 2013, acrylic on canvas, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Metaphysical Present (Balloons), 2020, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #4, #5, #6, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #2, #4, #5, #6, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Shark Envelope, #5, #7, 2013, acrylic on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Shark Envelope #7, 2013, acrylic on canvas, Ngā Puhipuhi o Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection.

Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Metaphysical Present (Balloons), 2020, acrylic on canvas; Metaphysical Presents #1, 2019, acrylic on canvas, three parts, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Life, Post Cricket, 2020–22, found books and custom plinth, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Weird Weather, 2011, flashe on card, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington; What your Handwriting Reveals, 2012, acrylic and marker pen on canvas, private collection; Lettuce Poems, 2012, flashe on canvas, Hocken Collection Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago, Dunedin. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, I’m Pregnant, 2017, pencil on pillowcase, pillow, private collection; Priorities, 2006, acrylic on newspaper, private collection; 2020, 2020, flashe on aluminium composite board with hand-painted frame; Weird Weather, 2011, flashe on card, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Aquarium (with page), 2011, flashe on newspaper, glass, metal fittings, Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki; Travelling Envelope, #9, #1, #4, #2, 2012, acrylic on newspaper, courtesy of various collections; I’m Pregnant, 2017, pencil on pillowcase, pillow, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Travelling Envelope #9, 2012, acrylic on newspaper, 575 x 785mm, Courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington.

Nick Austin, Aquarium (with briefcase), 2011, flashe on newspaper, private collection; Aquarium (with cave), 2012, flashe on newspaper, private collection; Coffee Tables, 2012/2023, flashe and carton-pierre on polystyrene, furniture, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery; Aquarium (with mug), 2009, flashe on newspaper, 575 x 785mm, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker

Nick Austin, Coffee Tables, 2012/2023, flashe and carton-pierre on polystyrene, furniture, courtesy of the artist and Robert Heald Gallery; Aquarium (with mug), 2009, flashe on newspaper, 575 x 785 mm, private collection. Installation view, Nick Austin: Life Puzzle, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Photo: Ted Whitaker