Rediscovering a remarkable woman painter
Published to coincide with the reopening of the Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui, this substantial and handsome book examines the continuing impact of Whanganui-born and British-trained Edith Collier and her artistic legacy.
In an era of growing international interest in women artists, Collier’s work is finding a new audience via books, exhibitions, documentary films and other projects.
Edith Collier was a dynamic modernist, and the story of her years in Europe and then her return to New Zealand and the near abandonment of her practice are compelling as both art history and an affecting human story. A century on, her remarkable body of work remains fresh and contemporary.
Featuring over 150 artworks, this book’s major essay by award-winning art writer Jill Trevelyan and its collection of guest essays offer a deep and rich immersion in Collier’s craft.
To look inside, click here.
‘It would make a magnificent Christmas present’ — Kate De Goldi, RNZ
‘A portrait of an overlooked artist of arresting originality’ — Hamish Coney, Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books
‘This gorgeous new book on Collier is a comprehensive introduction to her life and art . . . It includes an impressive range of perceptive essays (and a poem), more than 150 immaculately reproduced art works (her glowing greens are a revelation), and striking photos of Edith during her passage through life’ — Linda Herrick, Kete Books
‘A great book to read, a book to leave open and stare at, and I reckon a lead contender for next year’s Ockham Book Awards’ — David Hill, RNZ
‘A particular strength of the book is the detailed contextual information about the many factors — financial, cultural, geographical, and sociological — that supported or hampered Collier’s development as an artist . . . Andrew Clifford, director of the Sarjeant, expresses his hope that the book “will draw more attention to Edith Collier’s work, increase our understanding of her practice, and contribute further to the significant reputation she deserves”. The book succeeds on all counts.’ — Anne Kerslake Hendricks, NZ Booklovers
Jill Trevelyan is a writer and curator who first encountered the art of Edith Collier at the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui during the 1990s.
Jennifer Taylor works closely with the Edith Collier Trust Collection on a daily basis as Curator of Collections at the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui.
Greg Donson has been Curator and Programmes Manager at the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui since 2007, and is responsible for the development and implementation of the exhibition programme, including publications.