An exhibition showcasing one of New Zealand’s most respected senior artists opens at New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery on 22 February.

Ralph Hotere: ultimate ground investigates Hotere’s use of monochrome black over a 30-year period, from the Black paintings of 1969 to the immense Round midnight ll of 2000, and recognises the long association the artist has had with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

“The relationship between Hotere and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery goes back to 1969 when the Gallery purchased the Black paintings, becoming the first art museum to include Hotere in its permanent collection. This work is one of our most important acquisitions,” said Gallery Director Greg Burke.

“Round midnight ll and Black paintings come direct from the acclaimed 2002 Asia-Pacific Triennial at the Queensland Art Gallery, where they were presented as two of three works recognising Hotere’s position at the forefront of Australasian contemporary art over three decades,” said Mr Burke.

Ultimate ground also marks the Govett-Brewster’s first showing of
Round midnight ll since it was placed on long-term loan at the Gallery by New Zealand art collectors Hamish Morrison and Matthias Seidenstucker.

Another key theme of the exhibition is Hotere’s collaborative work with artist Bill Culbert. P.R.O.P, the artists’ first major joint project, illustrates Hotere’s use of dark tones contrasted with Culbert’s use of fluorescent light.

Ralph Hotere: ultimate ground runs 22 February to 27 April 2003

For further information contact:
Greg Burke, Director  
06 758 5149

Antony Rhodes, Marketing Manager
06 759 0852