Reuben Paterson
Paterson’s dynamic artwork has been dazzling viewers for the past two and a half decades. His visually hypnotic and conceptually nuanced artwork has become widely known and celebrated, and he is now considered one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent contemporary artists.
b.1973, Auckland (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish)
Lives in New York, America.
“Kaleidoscopic in form and intent, Paterson’s art asks us to see and experience the worlds we inhabit in new ways.”
Aaron Lister
The world-bending art of Reuben Paterson (b. 1973, Auckland, New Zealand: Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Tūhourangi, Scottish) reaches back to his childhood experiences of the glistening waters and sparkling black sands of Tamaki Makarau's West Coast. His signature use of glitter carries all these memories and the people, presences, and histories to which they connect. Always pushing what he describes as the 'limitless' material and conceptual possibilities of glitter, Paterson's paintings, sculptures, animations, and installations share an optical energy that harnesses the mesmerising effects of pattern, colour, and texture.
Reuben Paterson’s dynamic artwork has been dazzling viewers for the past two and a half decades. His visually hypnotic and conceptually nuanced artwork has become widely known and celebrated, and he is now considered one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent contemporary artists, best-known artwork is Guide Kaiārahi from 2021, a 10m tall sculptural work installed on the forecourt of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.
Prominent curator Aaron Lister has stated, “Paterson uses the transformative properties of light to reach beyond appearances and pry open the complex histories and tensions that sit just beneath the surface of all things. His art is made in celebration of exchange and encounter, hybridity and fluidity, spirituality and sexuality, and is especially attuned to the dynamics of queer identity and whakapapa-based modes of cultural knowledge.” This rich tapestry of cultural touch points allows viewers to read his work in myriad ways.
Paterson completed a postgraduate degree in fine arts at the University of Auckland in 1997. Subsequently, he was awarded New Zealand’s prestigious Moet et Chandon Award, which included a residency in Avize, France. Based in New York, Reuben Paterson has exhibited nationally and internationally since 2000. He has staged recent solo exhibitions at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi (2023), Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū (2022) and The Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt (2020), and has featured in significant group exhibitions such as the largest survey of contemporary Māori art, Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (2020); Contemporary Asian and Pacific Art, The National Gallery of Victoria, Australia (2016); and E Tu Ake, the Musee du quai Branly, Paris, France; the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand; Museo Nacional las Culturas, Mexico City, Mexico; and Musee de la Civilisation, Quebec City, Canada (2011-13). Paterson has participated in major international art fairs and biennales, including The Beauty of Distance: Songs of survival in a precarious age, 17th Biennial of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (2010); Asia Pacific Triennial, Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia (2009); nEUclear Reactions, Prague Biennial, Czech Republic (2010); and the 9th Pacific Biennial, Republic of Palau (2001). Paterson’s recent public art commissions include Guide Kaiārahi at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki (2021-26); Te Maiea, Aotea Square, Auckland (2021); and The Golden Bearing, Puketerata Garden of National Significance, Taranaki, New Zealand (2016). His works are housed in major public and private collections across Australasia. Paterson’s commitment to reaching outside of the art world and connecting art, industry, fashion and politics has led to long term collaborations with WORLD Fashion house and Dilana Rugs.
Gow Langsford Gallery has represented Reuben Paterson since 2003.
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I’ve got to get a Message to You, 2024
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Mesmerize Me, 2024
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Skin Tight, 2024
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Way to Go, 2024
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Do You Masturbate, 2023
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Feels Like, I'm Inside of Flowers, 2023
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I think I’ll try the Moon, 2023
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It is so Full of Sun, 2023
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Koro, 2023
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Raise the Child and be Released, 2023
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Steel Temple I, 2023
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Steel Temple II, 2023
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Steel Temple III, 2023
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The Push Back on the Street, 2023
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The Space Between the Stars, 2023
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We are all Walking each other Home, 2023
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When the Sky meets with She, 2023
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You Glow in my Mind Originally, 2023
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Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana (may the sea be like greenstone), 2022
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A Break from Amen, 2021
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Even After, 2021
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Tell Me When I Get a Light, 2021
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The Only Dream Left, 2021
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Tu Te Rangi Haruru, 2020
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A Rose, Arise, Arisen, 2019
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Somewhere Rain is Falling, 2019
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The Second Coming, 2017
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Wham, Bam, Bang, 2017
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i) The Erotic Champions of the World, 2009/10
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Whakapapa: Get Down on Your Knees I, 2009
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In The Stars I Trust
Reuben Paterson 7 - 20 Oct 2024 OffsiteNearly thirty-five years ago, the Hubble Space Telescope launched from Merritt Island, Florida, and after correcting its flawed optics, provided detailed images that have helped answer longstanding astrophysical questions. Reuben Paterson, an Auckland-born artist of Māori and Scottish descent, responds to these so-called answers with deeper imagination. His series In The Stars I Trust features ten mixed-media paintings based on constellations captured by the Hubble, viewed from a Southern Hemisphere perspective.Read more -
This Must Be the Place
Inaugural Exhibition 6 Apr - 4 May 2024 OnehungaThis Must Be the Place is the inaugural exhibition at Gow Langsford’s flagship Onehunga premises. It brings together the work of a diverse range of artists who respond to themes of place, belonging, and cultural legacy. In examining locality in Aotearoa and Oceania through a modern and contemporary lens, This Must Be the Place showcases a diverse range of practices and contextual frameworks from the region.Read more -
The Creamiest
Reuben Paterson 15 Nov - 2 Dec 2023 Auckland CityNew exhibition of works by Reuben Paterson. The Creamiest at Gow Langsford Gallery.Read more -
Amen Break
Reuben Paterson 20 Oct - 13 Nov 2021Reuben Paterson’s largest work to date Guide Kaiārahi was installed on the forecourt of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki in July 2021. The 10-metre tall waka pītau carved in...Read more -
The Intimates
Reuben Paterson 4 - 28 Sep 2019E whiti e te ra, e Maene ki te Kiri - the title of a painting of clouds by celebrated artist Reuben Paterson takes its title from the first two lines of a Maori waiata or folk song meaning: "Shine, the sun soft on skin." It is this same lyrical warmth we can expect from the artist's most recent body of work. The Intimateswill feature three sculptures which act as overgrown mobiles to mesmerise and delight the inner child. These will stand alongside intricately glittered botanical and cloudscape paintings which are imbued with intimacy, celebrating love, loss, and personal growth. Paterson, taking inspiration from the Canadian poet Anne Michaels, has commissioned a piece of writing from friend and art essayist Dina Jezdic to accompany the exhibition.Read more -
Black Matters II
Reuben Paterson 20 Sep - 14 Oct 2017 Lorne Street [2008 - 2021]The medium of glitter is not one that is easily manipulated, however, New Zealand artist Reuben Paterson has spent the past 20 years developing, refining and mastering his medium. His works are provocative, alluring, and most of all, mesmerising. Black Matters II is a new series of work exploring themes of light and politics, captured in snapshots of brilliant, bursting fireworks.Read more -
The Aroma of Black (Part III)
Reuben Paterson 9 Dec 2015 - 9 Jan 2016 Lorne Street [2008 - 2021]For The Aroma of Black (Part III) Paterson returns to his exploration of textile traditions. Where earlier works borrowed from fabrics he associated with the maternal side of his family, these new works take their inspiration from botanical subjects and reference still life paintings by 17th century Dutch painters. His ideas are translated into carefully constructed glitter paintings which, for the first time at Gow Langsford Gallery, use a more intricate method that creates smoother, more graduated depth to the textured surfaces.Read more -
Full Circle
Group Exhibition 4 Dec 2013 - 1 Feb 2014 Lorne Street [2008 - 2021]Full Circle is a group exhibition which examines the way in which a number of contemporary artists use the tondo as a form on which to work.Read more
An ancient shape that stretches back to the beginnings of time, first recorded in replicas of the sun and moon, the tondo, or circle, has long been linked with religion and mythology as well as with nature. The shape of the circle symbolises eternity and creating a circular work of art results in giving it a wholeness, as well as a sense of movement and energy gained from freeing the painted surface from more restrained square and rectangular stretchers.
Full Circle includes work by three key gallery artists, Reuben Paterson, Dale Frank and Max Gimblett. -
Twice Upon A Time
Reuben Paterson 5 - 29 Sep 2012 Lorne Street [2008 - 2021]Twice Upon a Time marks a significant leap for Reuben Paterson, from the familiarity of his glitter paintings into the 3-dimensional space of sculpture. The issue of depth is an...Read more -
Dear Beauty, Dear Beast
Reuben Paterson 24 Feb - 20 Mar 2010 Lorne Street [2008 - 2021]In colours commissioned especially from the glitter manufacturer Dear Beauty, Dear Beast, is a handsome show of new paintings by Reuben Paterson. The series began for Paterson as a reaction...Read more
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Reuben Paterson
2023Hardcover, 230 pagesRead more
Publisher: City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi
ISBN: 978-0-908848-98-0
Dimensions: 150 x 220 x 60mm -
Reuben Paterson: Bottled Lightning
2012Paperback, 40 pagesRead more
Publisher: The University Of Auckland Centre For New Zealand Art Research And Discovery
ISBN: 978-0-9876548-4-7
Dimensions: 220 x 210mm
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Reuben Paterson New Publication Launch
February 21, 2024Celebrate the launch of Reuben Paterson's new publication at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi on Thursday 22 February from 6pm. The dazzling publication captures...Read more -
Reuben Paterson in Art Zone Summer 2023-24
December 12, 2023Reuben Paterson features in issue 97 of Art Zone with an interview about his move to New York, recent public exhibitions and more. Purchase the...Read more -
Reuben Paterson, Brett Graham and Shane Cotton in Te Hau Whakatonu | A Series of Never-Ending Beginnings
Landmark survey exhibition at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery August 15, 2023Reuben Paterson, Brett Graham and Shane Cotton are included in a landmark survey exhibition at Len Lye Centre/Govett Brewster Art Gallery from 5 August 2023...Read more -
Reuben Paterson: The Only Dream Left at City Gallery Wellington
March 7, 2023Open now until 18 June 2023 is Reuben Paterson's The Only Dream Left at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi. 'The Only Dream Left is...Read more -
Reuben Paterson at Dunedin Public Art Gallery
July 19, 2022Reuben Paterson's magnificent The Golden Bearing (2014) is included in a group exhibition Beyond the Hedge at Dunedin Public Art Gallery from 28 May -...Read more -
Alex Monteith and Reuben Paterson at Objectspace
May 28, 2022Gallery artists Alex Monteith and Reuben Paterson are included in the group exhibition twisting, turning, winding: takatāpui + queer objects at Objectspace, opening Friday 3...Read more -
Reuben Paterson Featured in Latest Vault Magazine
November 24, 2021Reuben Paterson is featured in the latest issue of Vault Magazine with an article by Steve Dow. The issue is available from November 2021 - January 2022.Read more -
Reuben Paterson's The Golden Bearing at Christchurch Art Gallery
November 1, 2021Reuben Paterson's The Golden Bearing has a new home at Christchurch Art Gallery from 30 October 2021 – 30 January 2022. 'Trees – their roots...Read more -
Reuben Paterson Collaborates with Water Us
September 28, 2021Artist Reuben Paterson has collaborated with Water Us for their #wipeforwater campaign in designing unique, colourful wrappers for their toilet paper. Water Us donate at...Read more -
Reuben Paterson's 'Guide Kaiārahi' now installed at Auckland Art Gallery
July 20, 2021Reuben Paterson has unveiled his 10 metre high public installation Guide Kaiārahi in the Auckland Art Gallery forecourt. Made from 595 iridescent crystals, the work...Read more -
Reuben Paterson Rug Collaboration with Dilana
December 10, 2020Artist Reuben Paterson has expanded his talents into rug design in collaboration with New Zealand based Dilana, a project 3 years in the making. The...Read more -
Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art at Auckland Art Gallery
December 5, 2020Gallery artists John Walsh, Reuben Paterson, Darryn George and Chris Heaphy (pictured) are all included in Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art, the largest...Read more -
Reuben Paterson Black Matter at The Dowse Art Museum
November 10, 2020Reuben Paterson's Black Matter opens this Saturday at The Dowse Art Museum in Wellington. The exhibition runs until 21 March 2021. Join Reuben Paterson (Ngāti...Read more -
Reuben Paterson on The Big Idea
June 3, 2020Reuben Paterson spoke with Dina Jezdic during the lockdown about his work and inspiration. Read the full article here .Read more -
Reuben Paterson's New Animation Lights Up Aotea Centre in Auckland
February 5, 2020Reuben Paterson’s new animation Te Maiea (2020) observes the whakapapa of Hine Maheri, the personification of sparkling fine grained sandstone, through the union and incarnations...Read more -
Reuben Paterson in Britomart Project Space
July 5, 2019Four works by New Plymouth based artist Reuben Paterson have been installed in the Britomart Project Space window at 26-28 Customs Street East, Auckland.Read more -
Reuben Paterson in Wheriko - Brilliant! at Christchurch Art Gallery
June 24, 2019Reuben Paterson is included in the Christchurch Art Gallery's new exhibition Wheriko - Brilliant! on until 16 February 2020. In te reo Maori 'wheriko' translates...Read more -
Artists Collaborate with Top Musicians to Raise Money for the Salvation Army
April 10, 2019Seven of our artists, Reuben Paterson , Darryn George , Dick Frizzell , Michael Hight , Max Gimblett , John Walsh and Karl Maughan have...Read more -
Reuben Paterson's animation for Auckland's new H&M flagship store
September 7, 2018Last week global brand H&M opened its Auckland flagship store as part of the new Commercial Bay redevelopment on the corner of Queen and Customs...Read more -
Reuben Paterson and John Pule at Tauranga Art Gallery
July 2, 2018Reuben Paterson and John Pule are included in a new exhibition at Tauranga Art Gallery Children of Mallarmé: Fashion, Art & Collaboration on until 16...Read more -
Reuben Paterson in Kaleidoscope: Abstract Aotearoa at Te Papa
April 30, 2018The recently refurbished Te Papa Tongarewa exhibition space Toi Art is now open and features a new long-term exhibition Kaleidoscope: Abstract Aotearoa, Anō he kōpere:...Read more -
Reuben Paterson on the Cover of Art New Zealand
January 8, 2018Reuben Paterson graces the cover of the Summer 2017-2018 Art New Zealand issue that also includes an eight-page interview with writer Lucy Hammonds titled 'Blooming...Read more -
Reuben Paterson at Te Uru Gallery
July 8, 2017Gallery artist Reuben Paterson alongside Lonnie Hutchinson present a new installation of works at Te Uru Gallery titled Relative Reciprocity to celebrate Matariki. This exhibition...Read more -
Reuben Paterson at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre, Wellington
June 15, 2017Reuben Paterson's 'Afternoon Delight' is currently on show at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in Wellington until 24 June 2017. Physical and virtual taonga are unified...Read more -
Reuben Paterson at The Suter Art Gallery, Nelson
March 1, 2017Reuben Paterson is one of eight New Zealand artists presented in The River Lie, now open at The Suter Art Gallery in Nelson. The prominent...Read more -
Reuben Paterson's public installation is complete
September 5, 2016Reuben Paterson has recently completed a new public work in coordination with the Auckland Council to brighten up the Ronwood Ave carpark in Manukau City,...Read more
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Auckland Art Fair Virtual Fair 2020
29 Apr - 6 Jun 2020Gow Langsford Gallery is pleased to be taking part in the Auckland Art Fair Virtual Fair from 30 April - 17 May. Artists included are Frances Hodgkins, Tony Cragg, Judy Millar, Louise Henderson, Dale Frank, John Pule, Paul Dibble, Karl Maughan, Reuben Paterson, Simon Ingram, Virginia Leonard, Max Gimblett and Colin McCahon.Read more -
Sydney Contemporary 2019 | Booth B02
12 - 15 Sep 2019For Sydney Contemporary 2019, Gow Langsford Gallery is showcasing a range of works from New Zealand and Australian artists and works from prominent British sculptor Tony Cragg. Find us at Booth B02 to view works by John Olsen, Dale Frank, Lisa Roet, Colin McCahon, Gordon Walters, Laurence Aberhart, Dick Frizzell, Michael Hight, Reuben Paterson, Hugo Koha Lindsay, Judy Millar and Max Gimblett.Read more