Philip Trusttum, the New Zealand figurative expressionist artist, died on March 4, 2026, aged 85.
Born in Raetihi on June 9, 1940, he moved with his family to Christchurch in 1945, later living in Oxford, Rangiora and Ashley. Trusttum’s interest in art developed in Oxford, and he did not begin serious study until age 20, when he entered the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts.
There he was taught by Rudolf Gopas, whose influence helped shape his interest in expressionism. Trusttum’s works were usually large-scale, energetic and colourful, and were painted on unstretched canvas.
Philip Spencer Trusttum ONZM (/ˈtrʌstəm/ TRUST-um; 9 June 1940 – 4 March 2026) was a New Zealand figurative expressionist artist. His works were usually large-scale, energetic, and colourful on unstretched canvas.