Art For New Zealand: Icons of the 1960s and 1970s: Group Exhibition

Reflecting the rapidly developing culture and society, the 1960 and 70s were an expansive time for New Zealand art. The nation received its first television broadcast which, along with greater ease of travel, offered a wider availability of international media. Public museums and galleries were newly developed or modernised and increasingly began to host international touring exhibitions; and dealer galleries were established, creating a new commercial market for patrons. As wider audiences responded to burgeoning opportunities to engage with art, an appetite for visual arts progressively grew. By the 1970s the art world was blossoming. 

In a sense the 1960s and 70s was an era of coming of age for New Zealand art. Where there had been a predominately British influence, a stronger awareness of international art developed. Artists gained confidence and developed styles that while referencing international art abroad, began to wholly embrace and express local concerns. Art for New Zealand: Icons from the 1960s and 70sbrings together works by noted artists from this period including Michael Illingworth, Pat Hanly, Don Binney, Bob Ellis and Colin McCahon.