'Five Decades in Murihiku' follows an exploration of the landforms, histories and spiritualities of Murihiku (southern New Zealand), developed by Marilynn Webb since her arrival as Frances Hodgkins Fellow at the University of Otago in 1974.
The exhibition focuses on five key areas that the artist has returned to again and again over nearly five decades – Lake Mahinerangi, the Ida Valley, Fiordland, the Mataura Valley and Rakiura/Stewart Island.
A pioneer of printmaking in New Zealand, Marilynn Webb has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally since the 1960’s. Her tonal, moody prints and pastels reflect the atmosphere of the land and seascapes of Central Otago and Southland on which her work has focused for many years. Marilynn’s work makes us aware that we are always in the landscape, and draws us into the environmental and social issues surrounding it.
Of Nga Puhi descent, Marilynn Webb was born in Auckland in 1937 and grew up in Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty. Her distinguished teaching career has included roles as an art advisor, art teacher and a senior lecturer in printmaking at Dunedin Polytechnic School of Art.
Marilynn’s work is held in many private and public collections in Europe, America, Asia and New Zealand. In 2000 she became an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for her contribution to art and art education in New Zealand and in 2004 a book was published exploring her career and surveying her work. She lives and works in Dunedin
Marilynn has been a strong and loyal supporter of the Eastern Southland Gallery since its inception in 1984. Through her commitment to our southern environs she has, herself, become an essential and respected part of the southern landscape. 'Five decades in Murihiku' brings together a selection of the artists’ work from the artist’s collection, Eastern Southland Gallery collection and local private collections.
MARILYNN WEBB: Five Decades in Murihiku
Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore
Exhibition: Until 3 December, 2017
Admission free. Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 1-4pm.
- Marcella Geddes
