Author Description

Historically, portraiture has been integral to showcasing power, and power has been intrinsic in the portrait. THE POWER OF PORTRAITURE examines this in a specifically New Zealand context. The aim is to fertilise the current renaissance of portraiture as a genre in this country, to foster critical dialogue about leadership and its representations in the visual arts and to inspire the public with the stories of its leaders and the beauty of its portraiture. Published to coincide with an exhibition of portraits in Auckland and Wellington, THE POWER OF PORTRAITURE comprises 40 portraits of major public figures, male and female, Maori and Pakeha, conservative and liberal, from a number of different professional backgrounds. The accompanying text provides a wealth of art historical, cultural and historical insight and invites critical reflection on New Zealand's ideals of leadership.