Painting New Zealand: Art from Te Papa 1890 - 1950

Rhona Haszard Finistere 1926 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa 1936-0012-278

 

New Zealand has a rich painting tradition. A selection of 23 works from Te Papa's collection depicts the variety of subjects, styles and techniques adopted by painters of New Zealand from 1890 to 1950. Perhaps seen as the 'golden age' of New Zealand painting, these works were made by artists who in some cases made a living from art and others who combined teaching and painting.

This period of our art history saw many arrivals and departures, with art schools in their infancy an a small market to sell work, many emerging artists such as Raymond McIntyre, Rhona Haszard and Frances Hodgkins took off to Western Europe, forging professional careers, but never returned to their homeland. 

 

 

D K Richmond Purple and bronze 1905 Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa 2006-0006-1

 

Others such as Scotsman James McLaughlin and Swedish artist Claus Edward Fristrom brought to New Zealand a new way of picturing new locales. English-born and London-trained Robert Nettleton Field would go on to instruct some of New Zealand's greatest artists such as Colin McCahon and Toss Woollaston, who both feature in this exhibition.

This exhibition is a celebration of beautiful painting from the nation's collection at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Presented with the assistance of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.  

Exhibition works selected by William McAloon, Curator Historical New Zealand Art for Te Papa and Penelope Jackson, Tauranga Art Gallery Director.