Five Decades in Murihiku is an exploration of the landforms, histories and spiritualties of southern New Zealand, as developed by Marilynn Webb since her arrival as Frances Hodgkins Fellow at the University of Otago in 1974. The exhibition focuses on five key areas that the artist has returned to again and again over nearly five decades – Lake Mahinerangi, Ida Valley, Fiordland, Mataura Valley and Rakiura/Stewart Island.

 

A pioneer of printmaking in New Zealand, Marilynn Webb has been exhibiting her work nationally and internationally since the early 1960’s.  Her tonal, moody prints and pastels reflect the atmosphere of the landscapes and seascapes of Central Otago and Southland - on which her work has focused for many years.  Marilynn’s images make us aware that we are always in the landscape, and they draw us into the environmental and social issues that surround it. 

 

Of Ngā Puhi descent, Marilynn Webb was born in Auckland in 1937 and grew up at Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty.  Her distinguished teaching career has included roles as pioneer art advisor, art teacher and a senior lecturer in printmaking at Dunedin Polytechnic School of Art.  Marilynn is represented in many private and public collections worldwide.  In 2000 she became an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for her contribution to art and art education in New Zealand and in 2010 she was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Otago, in the city of Dunedin where she continues to live and work.

 

Five Decades in Murihiku brings together a selection of Marilynn Webb’s work from the artist’s personal collection, the Eastern Southland Gallery collection and local private collections.