Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, the wild, untouched natural splendour of the Otira Gorge has long been a source of inspiration for artists. This exhibition brings together for the first time a comprehensive selection of paintings and drawings representing Petrus van der Velden's intensely personal vision of Otira – some of the most powerful works to have been created in New Zealand. The exhibition also offers a unique opportunity to view a selection of works that respond to Otira and Van der Velden by artists as diverse as John Gibb, Alfred Walsh, Colin McCahon and Ann Shelton.
This exhibition was originally scheduled to run from 11 February until 15 May 2011. Unfortunately its run was ended by the 22 February Christchurch earthquake.
Curated by Peter Vangioni
Text extracted from Christchurch Art Gallery website.