Eastern Southland Gallery will showcase 20 works by iconic New Zealand artist Rita Angus, in a new exhibition opening this Saturday.

Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist showcases works spanning the artist’s life and career, focusing on the themes of pacifism, feminism and nature that shaped so much of her work.

The works are selected from an exhibition shown at Te Papa over the summer. 

The Gore exhibition includes many of Angus’s most well-known and important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra, 1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969.

Rita Angus, Central Otago, 1953-56/1969, oil on canvas. Gift of Douglas Lilburn, 1972. © Reproduced courtesy of the Estate of Rita Angus. Te Papa (1972-0030-1)

It will also feature two significant recent acquisitions. 

Marjorie Marshall (1938-39/1943) is a remarkable portrait of Angus’s friend and fellow artist Marshall, set against the backdrop of Central Otago mountains. 

The Aviatrix (1933) is one of Angus’s most important early works – a striking portrait of her sister Edna, the first woman pilot in the East Coast Aero Club, wearing her flying costume.

Te Papa Head of Art Charlotte Davy says Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist is an exhibition for the whole family to enjoy.

“This exhibition will introduce a new generation of New Zealanders to Rita Angus’ work.” 

“It is remarkable how much power and relevance her paintings still have today.”

Eastern Southland Gallery Curator Jim Geddes says the gallery is delighted to be able to host this exhibition.

“Rita Angus is well represented in our permanent collection by a number of paintings from the 1960s, but this is a great opportunity for our public to see first-hand a survey exhibition that spans her entire career.”

“Te Papa have been very good to us over the years and sending this particular show to Southland is an especially generous gesture on their part.”

Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernist | He Ringatoi Hou o Aotearoa will be displayed at Eastern Southland Gallery from 21 May to 17 July 2022.