Created especially for The Vivian to celebrate 125-years of women’s suffrage in New Zealand, we’re enormously proud to present our first all-women painting show, Never an Answer – 12 Abstract Painters. 

Curated by Linda Tyler and Lucinda Bennett, it showcases the work of some of our most outstanding abstract painters.

This show also features two major Sally Gabori paintings, proudly shown in conjunction with Alcaston Gallery, Melbourne and The Estate of Sally Gabori.

2018 marks the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. One of the aims of the Suffrage 125 commemorations is to celebrate game-changing individuals of a range of ages and cultural and socio-economic backgrounds who do extraordinary things to create positive social change for women and New Zealand. We have chosen this moment to celebrate an eclectic group of abstract painters who are women.

Each of the 12 abstract painters in Never an Answer takes the language of abstraction and uses it to their own ends. They explore new ways of painting based on experimental, process-oriented methods. Intended to take common imagery and make it strange, their works preclude figurative recognition or easy comprehension.

By devoting themselves to process, these artists experience revelation in the deliberate progression of steps of creative expression.

       Download show catalogue

Download a print friendly PDF catalogue of Never an Answer - which includes prices and sizes of all works in this show. 

       Linda Tyler

Never an Answer
In this video Linda Tyler talks about the show and the representation of women in art.

       Emelia French

Eggshells
We are delighted to have three works by Emelia French - with her eye-popping colourful eggshell designs.

       Tira Walsh

Rockstar / Buzz Kill
Responding to the contemporary digital context in which we now view the world.

       Ruth Ige

Ruth Ige
Linda Tyler talks about these three intimate works by artist, Ruth Ige - Showing in 'Never an Answer'.

Anoushka Akel
Emelia French
Lucy Gill
Ruth Ige
Claudia Jowitt
Viv Kepes

Motoko Kikkawa
Christina Pataialii
Kim Pieters
Tira Walsh
Vivienne Worn
Sally Gabori

      Enquire

If you would like to enquire about a work featured in this show please contact us via the link below or call us on 09 422 9995

      Download Catalogue

You can download a summary of works contained in this show together with the show Catalogue.