Reuben Paterson

Artist Reuben Paterson b.1973, Auckland (Ngati Rangitihi and Ngai Tuhoe) Lives in New Plymouth, New Zealand

Reuben Paterson is a dynamic artist known for his creations in glitter and diamond dust. The influence of Paterson's Maori heritage (Ngati Rangitihi) is strong in his earlier works, which focused on kowhaiwhai motifs. Drawing from both his Maori and Scottish ancestry Paterson also combines traditional pattern and design with non-traditional media, reinvigorating and extending Maori expression. Paterson incorporates formal painting properties of sharp line and ornate detail with specially commissioned glitter colours to elicit curiosity and joy. His use of traditional motif produces works that link to memories of our recent and ancient pasts; memories that are visceral, tangible and intangible. More recently Paterson has extended his range subjects to include animals and bird life and his extended his practice to include sculpture; similarly created in his signature glitter style.

Receiving a postgraduate Degree in Fine Arts from Auckland University in 1997, Paterson went on to receive New Zealand’s prestigious Moet et Chandon Award to Avize, France as its youngest recipient. Returning to New Zealand, Reuben completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary School Teaching in 2001. He exhibits nationally and internationally, including shows in the Prague Biennial and Centro de Arte Caja De Burgos, Spain, The Cambridge Museum, England and the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia. Paterson has also undertaken a major commission for the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane and for the Auckland Art Gallery’s education centre.