This exhibition draws on works from the Eastern Southland Gallery’s permanent collection that have been acquired over a period of 40 years.  Some have been selected because they represent artist-in-residence and community projects that have specifically referenced the Mataura River Valley, while other artworks are by painters, printmakers and photographers who have utilised river as a subject matter. 

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To complement this overview, a small number of important historic images have been borrowed from the Hocken Library and other public and private collections.  Notable early artists include John Buchanan, John Turnbull Thomson and Alfred Latham, while more recent works incorporate the skills of contemporary artists such as Barrie Cooke, Mark Adams, Laurence Aberhart, Paul McLachlan and Reg Mombassa.

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Art projects focused on the Mataura River from the past 30 years have given the Gallery’s collection some important reference points and these are also featured in this exhibition.  The Mataura Valley Suite by nationally acclaimed artist Marilynn Webb, the Māruawai Tukutuku Panel project by Anna Gorham and Karen Taiaroa-Smithies, plus Janet’s de Wagt’s 2014 Mataura River Project have added a rich and inspiring focus to this special selection. The images of respected local artists Norman Whitty, Val Latty and Jacqueline Byars collectively explore well known sites that local visitors will be familiar with.