The iconic work of Ian Scott on display
Rita Angus in Taradale by Ian Scott. Photo: Collection of Arts Trust House.
Amy Russ
Blending portraiture, landscape, text, and abstraction, the work of celebrated New Zealand artist Ian Scott is currently on show at the Marlborough Art Gallery in Blenheim until 12 April.
Painting New Zealand is touring from the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in Wellington, giving locals a rare chance to see works they might otherwise have to travel for.
“One of the marvellous things about our new purpose-built public art gallery is that we can bring in special exhibitions for our community,” says Cressida Bishop, Director of the Marlborough Art Gallery. “Most of our exhibitions also include works from the Marlborough art collection, so visitors get a mix of local treasures and national highlights.”
The Ian Scott exhibition focuses on the last three decades of his life, showcasing a side of the artist beyond his famous ‘lattices’ series.
“In these artworks, Scott (1945–2013) brings together what are normally separate approaches to painting – blending portraiture, landscape, text, reproduction, and abstraction. Portraits of mid-century New Zealand artists, or their artworks, literally bustle and vie for attention against New Zealand iconography and scenery,” said Cressida.
Many of the works were created after the death of his friend and mentor Colin McCahon in May 1987 and following Ian’s first battle with cancer in 1988.
“The works in this exhibition wrangle with questions of meaning and legacy.
McCahon’s legacy and impact is contrasted with the tradition kept alive by Sir Henry Kelliher and the artists he patronised, as Scott was, interestingly, a Kelliher Award winner in his teens. Such contrasts are emblematic of Scott’s fascination with the characters and issues embroiled in the fight over what qualified as ‘serious painting’ in this period, and, most of all, what could constitute a ‘New Zealand Painting’.”
Curated by Chris Corson-Scott and Jaenine Parkinson, the exhibition is open until 12 April and includes standout works such as Rita Angus in Taradale, 1987 and Sacred Hill, 2004, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into Ian Scott’s world.