B.
Don Binney 1940-2012
Behind the scenes
It was a shock to read of Don Binney's sudden death over the weekend and our thoughts go out to his family.
One of Don's works that remains highly significant for Christchurch residents is Kotare over Ratana Church which was sold by Dick Scott last year to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. And what a boost it gave to the Earthquake Appeal, the amount raised from its sale is a testament to the high regard Don's art is held in New Zealand.
Rest In Peace Don.
Don Binney 1940-2012, Kotare over Ratana Church, 1963, oil on board. Private Collection.
Don Binney 1940-2012, Canterbury Garden Bird, 1970, oil on canvas. Collection Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1970.
Related
Exhibition
1969 Comeback Special
27 August – 6 November 2016
A fascinating focus show centred on a decade in which Gallery director, Brian Muir, began to acquire contemporary New Zealand art for the city’s collection.
Collection
Don Binney Canterbury Garden Bird
Along with his contemporaries Michael Smither and Robin White, Don Binney was part of a new generation of realist painters in New Zealand during the 1960s and 1970s. Renowned for his paintings of birds, during his teenage years he kept sketchbooks of them and they were to be a constant source of imagery for him throughout his career. While many of his birds soar through the sky, the plump pīwakawaka in Canterbury Garden Bird has settled on a branch. In 1970 Binney was invited as a guest artist to contribute works to The Group Show exhibition in Christchurch. He exhibited this painting, which was duly acquired by Muir for the Gallery’s collection. (1969 Comeback Special 27 August – 6 November 2016)