From the early 1930s Toss Woollaston’s approach to portrait painting was radical, resulting in what Jill Trevelyan calls “New Zealand’s first modernist portrait”, Figures from Life, 1936. His portraiture was unlike anything produced in the country to this time. Eschewing traditional concerns with naturalistic likeness, perspective, light and shadow, and finish, he created portraits that evoked their subjects through bold spontaneous line, stylised form and high-key colour. Despite little critical encouragement initially, he remained resolute and defiantly pursued his own distinct approach throughout his career. This exhibition, for the first time, surveys the entirety of Woollaston’s portrait oeuvre, revealing its critical importance to his practice.

Dr Jane Davidson-Ladd