Edith Collier: Early New Zealand Modernist

Painter Edith Collier (1885–1964) was one of the outstanding artists of her era in Aotearoa New Zealand. This survey exhibition takes a fresh look at her achievements, both at home and abroad, at a time of growing international interest in the work of women modernists. Born in Whanganui, Collier travelled to England in 1913 and spent nine years studying with artists including Margaret Macpherson (later Preston) and Frances Hodgkins. Under their guidance she developed a bold, experimental style based on the ideas of post-impressionism, featuring vigorous drawing, fluent brushwork and a distinctive sense of colour. The exhibition includes key paintings from the Edith Collier Trust held at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery and rarely seen in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Edith Collier: Early New Zealand Modernist was developed and toured by Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, with the generous support the Edith Collier Trust.