Joyful and bright, tender and insightful, this exhibition explores abstract painting through the eyes, minds and hands of women.

Here, bold pieces by painters who challenged the predominantly masculine field of abstraction in the 1970s and 80s, sit in conversation with works by new generations who delve into identity politics and cultural heritage.

Having existed for over a hundred years, abstract painting responds emotively to its subject rather than copying it. In Aotearoa New Zealand, such works have traditionally fed into ideas about an overarching national identity, often revisiting this through subjects like landscape and spirituality. Humming with texture, movement and hours of physical labour, works by the women in Feminine/Abstract show us multiple perspectives.

By folding their own experiences into their work—be it queer histories, whakapapa, discrimination or celebration—these artists use symbols, techniques and materials to connect with a diverse range of people, revealing a more realistic representation of Aotearoa today.

The artists in Feminine/Abstract are Christina Pataiailii, Claudia Jowitt, Emerita Baik, Gretchen Albrecht, Imogen Taylor, Judy Millar, Julee Hansen, Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Luise Fong, Miranda Parkes, Natalie Woodhams, Peata Larkin, Raukura Turei and Tira Walsh.

Images in order of appearance:

Gretchen Albrecht. Orchard For Keats, 1985. Courtesy of the Fletcher Trust Collection.

Miranda Parkes. Baller (detail), 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Melanie Roger Gallery, Auckland.

Claudia Jowitt. Cakau IX (detail), 2019. Courtesy of the artist and Melanie Roger Gallery, Auckland.