Although best known as a painter, printmaking and design were integral parts of the work of New Zealand artist Gordon Walters (1919-1995). This exhibition, curated by William McAloon, considered Walters’ printmaking activities alongside his work as a graphic designer and commercial artist, placing these works in the larger context of his practice as a painter.

Presenting all 13 screenprints of Walters’ works of art, this exhibition also un-earthed less well-known images produced for publication, including artwork for the magazine Te Ao Hou/The New World, designs for journals such as Ascent and Landfall, book-covers and other commissions.

This exhibition was the first time that Walters’ prints had been shown in their entirety. It is also the first occasion on which a comprehensive selection of Walters’ designs for publication had been bought together.

As well as these finished works, the exhibition included a range of preparatory studies, giving an important insight into Walters’ working methods. More generally, the exhibition considered the influence that Walters’ work as a commercial artist and graphic designer had on his fine art practice, and in turn, Walters’ influence on graphic design in New Zealand.

This exhibition was staged concurrently with Two Laws: One Big Spirit.