This exhibition brings together 20 works by one of New Zealand’s most iconic 20th-century artists, Rita Angus (1908–1970).

The paintings span Angus’s life and career as an artist, drawing out the themes of pacifism, feminism and nature that shaped so much of her work.

This exhibition includes many of Angus’s most important works, including Rutu, 1951, Cleopatra,1938, and Central Otago, 1953 56/1969. It will also feature two significant recent acquisitions. Marjorie Marshall (1938-39/1943) is a remarkable portrait of Angus’s friend and fellow artist Marshall, set against the backdrop of Central Otago mountains. The Aviatrix(1933) is one of Angus’s most important early works–a striking portrait of her sister Edna, the first woman pilot in the East Coast Aero Club, wearing her flying costume.

Te Papa Head of Art Charlotte Davy says Rita Angus: New Zealand Modernists is an exhibition for the whole family to enjoy, “This exhibition will introduce a new generation of New Zealanders to Rita Angus’ work,” she says. “It is remarkable how much power and relevance her paintings still have today”.