The Makers of Modern New Zealand 1930-1990

The New Zealand Portrait Gallery | Shed 11 Wellington Waterfront

24 November 2011 – 12 February 2012 | 10.30am – 4.30pm daily | Free admission

In an exhibition that might raise as many questions as it provides answers, Brian Easton, curator of The Makers of Modern NZ exhibition at the NZ Portrait Gallery, welcomes the element of debate that could emerge from his choice of subjects.

Dr Easton, economist, writer (author of The Nationbuilders) and social commentator, confronted the monumental task of selecting portraits of sixty New Zealanders who reflect the development of the nation from 1930-1990.

Portraits of key figures in commerce, politics, education, law, and the arts are represented. But so too are portraits of lesser known but significant people who symbolise important elements of the period, such as the increasing importance of Maori and women in our public life. “Viewed collectively and usually chronologically, the portraits tell their own story about the development of the nation over the turbulent and transformational 60 years.

“There may be many surprises about who is represented, as well as those who are not- this is not a parade of ‘celebrities’. Rather it is of New Zealanders who have made a major and long- lasting contribution to New Zealand’s development and whose contributions and achievements illustrate exceptional forces for change over the years represented in the exhibition” Easton said.

Photos from opening night:

Exhibition curator Brian Easton beside painting of Joan Metge by Sofia Minson.                                                   Opening night guests contemplate Sir Ron Brierley.

 

Jock Phillips, senior editor of NZ online encyclopedia Te Ara, opens the exhibition.                                              Helen Sutch, daughter of Bill Sutch with artist Tim Bollinger.

 

"Dame Joan Metge" by Sofia Minson, 85x180 cm, oil on canvas, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Alison Holst" by Freeman White, 50x70 cm, oil on Linen                                                                        "Ian Cross" by Harriet Bright, 2011

 

Jock Phillips (left) talks to longtime friend of the Gallery, Bill Buxton.                                                                        Curator Brian Easton speaks.
Jock Phillips is senior editor of NZ online encyclopedia Te Ara.                                                                                  Dr Easton is an economist, writer and social commentator.
Paintings behind them are Josef Babich (left) and Alison Holst (right)

 

Three bronzes: from left to right, Norman Kirk, Clarence Beeby and Bruce Mason.                                                Portrait Gallery trustee Keith Ovenden welcomes visitors.
Behind them artists Freeman White (left) and Nick Cuthell (right) talk.