Te Papa, with support from principal funding sponsor Pelorus Trust and major sponsor Singapore Airlines, is proud to present Rita Angus: Life & Vision in the TOWER Gallery, Level 4 from 5 July to 5 October.
To celebrate Te Papa’s 10th anniversary, admission to the exhibition is free.
Featuring nearly 200 works, including the iconic Cass (voted New Zealand’s greatest painting in a 2006 television poll), Rita Angus: Life & Vision also presents sketchbooks, studies and unfinished works that reveal the full scope of Angus’s practice over four decades (1929-1969). A full colour catalogue, an exhibition audioguide and a comprehensive programme of events complement the exhibition.
‘There is no doubt that Rita Angus is one of New Zealand’s best-loved artists and Te Papa extends its sincere thanks to the many institutions and private lenders that have made this landmark exhibition possible’, said Dr Seddon Bennington, Te Papa’s Chief Executive.
‘Te Papa also acknowledges the generous support of the Rita Angus Estate with whom we continue to enjoy a warm and productive relationship,’ Dr Bennington said.
Rita Angus: Life & Vision offers a compelling look at the work of one of this country’s pioneer modern painters. Co-curated by William McAloon, Curator, Historical New Zealand Art at Te Papa, and Jill Trevelyan, author of the acclaimed biography of the artist published by Te Papa Press, the exhibition features new insights into Angus’s work. Drawing out the stories behind the paintings, the exhibition reveals Angus’s commitment to pacifism, her strong feminist views, and her spiritual beliefs. Also evident are Angus’s love of nature and her affinity for the New Zealand landscape, as well as her extraordinary technique.
‘Rita Angus: Life & Vision and the accompanying publication will introduce her to a new generation of New Zealanders, and remind us all of her extraordinary artistic achievement, as a maker of images that have helped create and define our national identity’, said Jonathan Mane-Wheoki, Director Art & Collection Services at Te Papa.
Te Papa Press has produced a major catalogue to accompany the exhibition. This beautifully illustrated book, also titled Rita Angus: Life & Vision, features many works that have never been reproduced in colour before. It includes new and revealing essays on Angus and her works by a range of writers, including Gregory O’Brien, Lydia Wevers, Peter Simpson and Vita Cochran, and is an essential companion to Jill Trevelyan’s recent biography, Rita Angus: An Artist’s Life.
‘The Pelorus Trust is proud to be associated with this exhibition and delighted to ensure admission is free for visitors to enjoy the work of this remarkable artist,’ said Alister Skene, Trust Manager, Pelorus Trust.
Rita Angus Life & Vision is supported by a programme of events, including curator floortalks, lectures, panel discussions, poetry readings, concerts and a day-long symposium. An audioguide that details the thoughts and motivation behind 21 works will be available for hire in the exhibition or by free download from the Te Papa website.
Full details are available at www.tepapa.govt.nz.
Rita Angus: Life & Vision
5 July – 5 October 2008
TOWER Gallery, Level 4
Te Papa
Free admission
ENDS
Download a printable version (pdf, 73 KB)
Download sample images for publicity purposes (pdf, 150KB)
For further information and images, contact:
Jane Keig, Manager Communications, 029 601 0180, 04 381 7083, janek@tepapa.govt.nz; or
Paul Brewer, Director Marketing & Communications, 021 532 920, 04 381 7023, paulb@tepapa.govt.nz