Art & creativity  |  23 Mar 2021

An exhibition of works by one of New Zealand’s most significant artists opens at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū this weekend.

Ralph Hotere: Ātete (to resist) brings together works from collections across the country and is the first major survey exhibition of Hotere’s works in 20 years.

The exhibition has been co-curated by Christchurch Art Gallery and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Christchurch Art Gallery director Blair Jackson says the exhibition has been a huge project to bring together.

“Hotere’s art is enormously significant in Aoteaora, particularly now in these politically charged days. It’s been more than 20 years since the last survey of his work, and we’re pleased to be able to show so many of these important and deeply meaningful works to a new generation,’’ Mr Jackson says.

“The show charts Hotere’s journey throughout Aotearoa and the world, and is a reflection of his experiences, identify, concerns and politics. It includes formative abstraction, strident works of protest, and landmark works such as Black Phoenix and Godwit/Kuaka.’’

The exhibition has already been on display in Dunedin – where Hotere lived for many years – with many visitors to Ātete sharing their own memories of the places, moments and issues that feature in his work.

“I’m sure it will have the same effect on those that visit here in Ōtautahi,’’ Mr Jackson says.

Ralph Hotere: Ātete (to resist) opens at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū on 27 March and runs until 25 July 2021. Entry is free.