Gordon Walters

This book explores the life and art of Gordon Walters, a New Zealand modernist artist, from his early charcoal sketches to his mature Koru works. It provides insight into Walters' art through the eyes of his friend and fellow artist, Francis Pound, who accompanied him on his journey. The book also discusses the influences on Walters' work, including Māori and Pacific art, surrealism, Mondrian, De Stijl, the Bauhaus, and Euro-American abstraction, conceptual art, and minimalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: Auckland University Press

In this captivating exploration by the late Francis Pound, the esteemed author of the landmark Invention of New Zealand, we delve into the fascinating journey of Gordon Walters (1919–1995), a pivotal figure in the development of New Zealand modernism. Pound takes us on a meticulous journey, tracing the artist's evolution from humble beginnings as a student, where he first honed his charcoal sketches in the 1930s, to the revelation of his mature Koru works at the 1966 New Vision Gallery exhibition in Auckland.

Throughout this remarkable narrative, Pound accompanies Walters through a series of steps, missteps, explorations, and diversions, as the artist embarks on a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation. From his travels within Aotearoa and abroad, Walters discovers new forms, invents others, and discards countless ideas in his relentless quest for artistic growth. Pound employs a keen eye, examining the paint, brushes, rulers, scrapbooks, and other tools of the artist's trade, in order to unveil the intricate processes and creative energies at play.

What emerges from Pound's meticulous scrutiny is a profound understanding of Walters as an artist at work. He delves deep into the artist's techniques, exploring the interplay between color, form, and texture, and shedding light on the philosophical underpinnings that informed his artistic vision. Pound's insights are not limited to Walters alone; he also provides a comprehensive guide to the various influences that shaped his work, encompassing a wide range of artistic movements and ideas.

Among these influences are Māori and Pacific art, surrealism, Mondrian, De Stijl, the Bauhaus, Euro-American abstraction, conceptual art, and minimalism. Pound's knowledge and appreciation of these diverse artistic traditions shine through in his commentary, offering valuable insights into Walters's artistic choices and the broader context in which his work emerged.

Through his unwavering support, critique, wit, and enthusiasm, Francis Pound becomes an invaluable companion on this extraordinary journey into twentieth-century art. Gordon Walters emerges as a remarkable protagonist, whose artistic odyssey spans decades and whose contributions to the world of art continue to resonate and inspire. This study serves as a testament to the power of art and the enduring legacy of artists like Walters, who have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape.

Dimension: 270 x 205 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781869409531