Tying Traditions Together explores the deep and ongoing relationships between artists, poets, and the awa (rivers) of Murihiku. Since the gallery’s founding 42 years ago, artists and writers have been invited to engage with the Mataura River as both subject and source of inspiration. This enduring dialogue is richly reflected in the gallery’s permanent collection.

Arguably this country’s most notable narrative painter, Trevor Moffitt (1936-2006) was born in Gore and raised in the neighbouring gold-mining town of Waikaia. He attended Southland Technical College in Invercargill before enrolling at University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts, graduating with Honours in Painting in 1959. 

This exhibition features a selection of paintings by Dunedin artist, Patricia France and poems by Paekākāriki poet, Dinah Hawken.

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Faces & Flowers has been curated by Vicki Robson and Greg O’Brien. Our grateful thanks to all the individuals and organisations who kindly loaned work for the exhibition and to Toi MAHARA—Kāpiti Coast District Gallery for their support of the show.

This show marks something of a departure from Eliza Glyn's iconic west harbour landscapes, moving toward something more experiential, both mystical and domestic. This new body of work seeks a deeper inquiry into questions of perception and subjectivity through both the Catlins riverscapes and recent still lifes.