Dame Robin White may well be one of New Zealand’s most significant living artists, but Dame Gaylene Preston resists that kind of overbearing narrative in her new film. The nearest she comes might be a scene when the seventy-something artist considers one of her iconic 1970s paintings, the kind that sell well as framed prints in public gallery gift shops.
“This is me as a young painter trying to figure out how to paint,” she muses. Surrounding that moment are scenes shot in recent years in Aotearoa, Japan and Kiribati, where White lived for much of the 1990s. We see her as she is now, working at the height of her artistic powers, still energetically moving her practice forward, often with artistic collaborators from other cultures and artistic traditions.
We gain an insight into her Baha’i faith-driven belief in peace and shared humanity. This is a masterclass in less-is-more story telling. “…the film stands as an act of resistance rather than quietism, imbued as it is with the inventiveness, joy, good humour and energy.” — Greg O'Brien
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Make a night of it in the Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, Auckland Town Hall, Q Theatre and plenty of nearby dining options are all within a short walk of The Civic.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
The Civic is on the corner of Queen and Wellesley Streets in the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is right nearby, making the train an easy option, while frequent bus services stop along Queen and Wellesley Streets. If driving, The Civic Car Park beneath Aotea Square is the closest parking option. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō
