E ngaro ana i te Pōuri / Lost in the Dark, an exhibition by top New Zealand artist Tony Fomison, is at the Easter Southland Gallery in Gore.

The gallery is the only South Island venue to have secured the free exhibition, which is open until May 30.

Tony Fomison (1939- 1990) is one of New Zealand’s leading art historical figures in painting. 

Advertisement:

Advertise on the Southland App

The touring exhibition focuses on Fomison’s particularly dark, intense paintings – both personal and universal - produced during the early years of his career, from 1967 to 1975.

Te Papa Curator Modern Art Lizzie Bisley says that in the late 1960s, dark things began to emerge from the paintings of Tony Fomison. 

His monsters, misfits and medical deformities challenged polite society, exploring what it means to be an outsider. 

This was a particularly troubled period in Fomison’s life. He had just returned to Christchurch from travels in Europe, and was broke, grappling with drug addiction, and cynical about society. 

Salvator mundi, 1970, Christchurch, by Tony Fomison. Purchased 1993 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (1993-0018-1)

Yet the humanity of his grotesque paintings resonated profoundly with audiences – making him one of the most important New Zealand painters of his generation.

This exhibition looks at Fomison’s work from the late 1960s to mid-1970s, exploring themes of outsiders and otherness that emerge from the dark shadows of his work. 

In particular, it seeks to introduce his work to a younger generation of visitors, examining the relevance of Fomison’s work to their lives and experiences.

Malaria Victim, New Guinea, 1970, Christchurch, by Tony Fomison. Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (1998-0019-1)

Tony Fomison: E ngaro ana i te Pōuri / Lost in the Dark was first developed as a collaboration between Wellington High School students and Te Papa. 

Students workshopped the theme of ‘otherness’ in Fomison’s work, which helped shape the creative approach.

The exhibition has been developed and toured by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Admission free. Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 1-4pm. Closed Good Friday.