World View

World View takes a journey through the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection, mapping the geographical strengths that have come to shape it over time. From the Italian Renaissance, through Edo period Japan, to 20th century New Zealand art, this exhibition celebrates the history and diversity that gives this collection its unique character.

The Dunedin Public Art Gallery was founded in 1884, born out of a passion for art and a desire to create an important art collection for the city of Dunedin. William Mathew Hodgkins, the principle founder of the Gallery, aimed to establish an ambitious public collection that had two distinct strengths – to represent European art history since the Renaissance, and to create a collection of works by prominent New Zealand artists. In the subsequent decades the vision for this collection has continued to evolve, its development offering a dynamic reflection of the different ideas and contexts that have come to shape the modern institution.  What has remained constant is the unwavering focus on providing the city of Dunedin with significant art collection, which can unlock the power of art and enrich the lives of people from this community.

World View takes a journey through the Gallery’s collection, mapping the geographical strengths that have come to shape it over time. This journey reveals aspects of the Gallery’s history, highlighting moments of specific emphasis and some of the key figures who have left their mark on the development of this remarkable collection.  Paying attention to five distinct areas, Europe, Britain, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Japan, the exhibition takes audiences on a tour from the Italian Renaissance, through Edo period Japan, to 21st century New Zealand art. Encompassing a range of works that span from the late 14th century to the present day, World View celebrates the history and diversity that gives this collection its unique character.

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