Dame Robin White

Dame Robin is recognised as an important figure for developing New Zealand's regionalist style, with her work often depicting people in rural landscapes. Her work is a blend of Pakeha, Māori and Pacific influences. She is of Māori and Pakeha descent,  born in Te Puke, and she studied at  Elam School of Fine Arts where she was mentored by Colin McCahon.

Dame Robin is a painter, printmaker, and photographer, based in Masterton, after spending 17 years living in Kiribati. She continues to work with weavers and artists from the Pacific, and is currently producing work inspired by a visit to the Kermadec Islands. Dame Robin White was recently been named as a 2012 Distinguished Alumna of The University of Auckland.

Robin White at the Queens Honours ceremony

Leba, Robin and Bale in Lautoka Fiji 2009

With a friend in Kiribati 2009

With daughter Florence in Auckland 2010 in front of Robin's artwork

Making kupesi in Tonga 2011

Tonga to New Zealand, Bark cloth, natural dyes and pigments. Robin White, in collaboration with Ruha Fifita. November 2011

New Zealand to Tonga, Bark cloth, natural dyes and pigments. Robin White, in collaboration with Ruha Fifita. November 2011

Rangitahua, Bark cloth, natural dyes and pigments. Robin White, in collaboration with Ruha Fifita. November 2011

The work in the foyer of the Tauranga Art Gallery.

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.