South Canterbury’s Art: Shaped by land, sea, and people. From early documentarians like William Ferrier to national icons like Colin McCahon, and today’s practicing creatives, Timaru’s art heroes reflect a region where culture, community, and landscape intertwine. We are so lucky, that in Timaru we can experience the art made by many of these artists in the collection held in the Aigantighe Art Gallery, their regular newspaper columns of Treasures of the Aigantighe, and on the art history trail of signs. We have a wonderful and vibrant local art scene, both of creators, appreciators and supporters.
My Art Heroes of Timaru and South Canterbury
National Art Heroes
Douglas Badcock – South Island landscape painter.
Don Binney – Iconic for bold bird and landscape paintings reflecting NZ’s identity.
Keith Blight – Modernist painter, connected to Canterbury’s art evolution.
Jo Braithwaite – Contemporary painter linked to NZ modern expression.
Nigel Brown – Narrative painter exploring NZ’s social and environmental identity.
Dean Buchanan – Landscape painter known for vibrant South Island scenes.
George Butler – Noted for fine watercolour landscapes.
Leslie Campbell – Canterbury artist contributing to mid-century styles.
George Chance – Early 20th-century painter and photographer.
Russell Clark – Painted Caroline Bay Timaru During a Southerly Gale (c.1950).
Lindsay Crooks – Timaru-born, painted Carnival Scene (1983).
Bill Culbert – Internationally recognised sculptor and installation artist.
Phil Dadson – Sound artist and experimental media innovator.
John Drawbridge – Painter and printmaker of NZ landscapes and abstraction.
Jacqueline Fahey – Timaru-born; feminist painter blending autobiography and narrative.
William Ferrier – Timaru-based; documented port scenes in painting and photography.
Tony Fomison (Anthony Fomison) – Expressionist painter linked to Canterbury and Polynesian influences.
Jock Fraser – NZ painter with links to Canterbury landscape traditions.
William Gibb – Painted Timaru Harbour (1888) capturing early port development.
William Greene – Early Timaru painter and South Canterbury Art Society founder.
John Gully – Romantic landscape painter.
James Guthrie (Sir James Guthrie) – Portraitist linked to European traditions.
Pat Hanly – Vibrant painter, muralist, and printmaker (studied at Canterbury).
Chris Heaphy – Contemporary painter exploring Māori and European heritage.
Louise Henderson (Dame Louise Henderson) – Cubist painter; teacher at Canterbury School of Art.
John Liddington Higgs – Painted Timaru Coastline (1884); Timaru-born.
Frances Hodgkins – Internationally renowned NZ modernist painter.
Ralph Hotere – Minimalist and politically engaged Māori artist.
Evan Jones – Regional landscape painter of Canterbury.
Bryn Jones – Sculptor known for public works and innovative forms.
Emily Karaka – Māori painter of vibrant, political works.
Sandra Kelly – Painter of Canterbury and Timaru landscapes.
Thomas Kennington – British academic painter represented in Aigantighe’s collection.
Yuki Kihara – Contemporary Pasifika artist exploring post-colonial identity.
Tony Kuepfer – Ceramicist blending functional design and artistry.
Doris Lusk – Regionalist painter of the 1930s–40s; taught at Canterbury SFA.
Marian Maguire – Printmaker combining classical and NZ narratives.
Eileen Mayo (Dame Eileen Mayo) – Printmaker and illustrator; lived in Waimate (1962).
Colin McCahon – Timaru-born; NZ’s most significant modernist painter.
Patti Meads – Painter associated with Canterbury’s evolving styles.
Fiona Pardington – Photographer of powerful portraiture and taonga Māori.
Albert Rae – Timaru artist and educator; part of regional art growth.
Ann Robinson – Glass artist merging sculptural and functional design.
Francis Shurrock (Francis A. Shurrock) – Sculptor and educator shaping Canterbury’s mid-century art.
Grahame Sydney – Painter of Central Otago landscapes.
Edwyn Temple – Documented South Canterbury’s early colonial landscape.
Petrus van der Velden – Dutch romantic realist known for Otira Gorge.
Paul van den Bergh – Painter with Canterbury connections.
Gordon Walters – Abstract painter (Koru Series) merging Māori motifs and modernism.
Malcolm Warr – Painter focusing on NZ’s coastal scenery.
Marilynn Webb – Environmental printmaker and painter.
Christine Webster – Photographer exploring identity and culture.
Colin Wheeler – Watercolour artist of rural NZ.
Robin White – Painter and printmaker blending realism and symbolism.
Toss Woollaston (Sir Mountford TosswillWoollaston) – Modernist pioneer, expressive landscapes; member of The Group.
South Canterbury Collection Heroes
Artists directly linked to Timaru or South Canterbury:
Mike Armstrong – Aoraki Polytechnic tutor; painted Blackett on the Breakwater (2019).
Trevor Askin – Regional painter of Canterbury.
Douglas Badcock – South Island landscape painter.
John Badcock – Geraldine painter known for portraiture.
Rosemary Campbell – Regional painter.
Geoff Cloake – Artist/designer rooted in South Canterbury storytelling.
Judith Cordeaux – Painter active in the Timaru region.
Betty Curnow – Regional artist, known for prints and modernist style.
Austin Deans – Renowned landscape painter (Canterbury and high country).
Roselyn Fauth (née Cloake) – Timaru-born painter; Infinite or Finite?.
Maria Foley – Local artist active in South Canterbury.
Colin Higgins – Painter and printmaker; local educator.
Lynn Kerr – Regional painter.
Vicky King – Painter contributing to South Canterbury’s art scene.
Rua Pick – Artist noted for local exhibitions.
Edwin Poulston (Edwin J. Poulston) – Artist linked to Timaru’s art society.
Rachel Ratten – Printmaker and regional artist.
Polly Rowe – Multidisciplinary artist in South Canterbury.
Francine Spencer – Māori artist/weaver; Ngā kai ā te Moana celebrates cultural heritage.
Philippa Wilson – South Canterbury-based artist.
Jessie Wigley – Regional painter linked to local heritage.
Local Practicing Artists
Some of the active artists in Timaru and South Canterbury today:
Mike Armstrong – Painter, tutor.
John Badcock – Painter.
Susan Badcock – Photographer.
Michelle Beaufort – Painter and tutor.
Marita Bool – Potter.
Richard Bolton – Painter.
Lesley Brown – Artist active in Canterbury.
Hamish Cameron – Watercolourist.
Geoff Cloake - Photographer.
Roselyn Cloake – Painter exploring heritage and geology.
Pat Currie – Potter.
Sandie Davies (Andrews) – Painter.
Esther Deans – Painter.
Roselyn Cloake (married name Fauth) – Community arts figure and painter.
Claire Forbes – Watercolourist.
Linda Fowler – Painter.
Jason Greig – Timaru-born printmaker and teacher.
Richard Hansen – Painter.
Heather Person Hill – Painter.
Colin Higgins – Painter/printmaker.
Sally Hope – Painter (granddaughter of Esther Hope).
Rob Ireland – Painter.
Kerry Irvine – Printmaker.
Sandra Kelly – Painter.
Christina MacDonald – Painter.
Naomi MacDonald – Artist.
Wayne Patrick – Painter.
Bridget Pahl – Artist.
Fiona Pardington – Photographer.
Diana Peneamene – Painter.
Stephanie Postles – Painter.
Johnathon Reihana – Carver.
Sally Reihana – Weaver.
Polly Rowe – Multi-disciplinary artist.
Mandly Russell – Weaver.
Wayne Seyb – Painter.
Francine Spencer – Painter and weaver.
Zita Waldron – Painter.
Peter Winnington – Watercolourist.
Ben Woollcombe – Painter.
Michael Armstrong (b. 1954) Born Christchurch. Studied at the University of Canterbury SFA (mid-1970s). Abstract expressionist painter known for human-form inspired works with sculptural qualities. Also creates aluminium wall reliefs and textile design. Tutor at Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru.
Leo Bensemann (1912–1986) Typographer, calligrapher, award-winning book illustrator, painter, and composer. Settled in Christchurch in 1930. Attended Canterbury School of Art (1932–1936), painted with Rita Angus, and developed a similar style. Published Fantastica with 13 art nouveau illustrations influenced by Aubrey Beardsley. Associated with The Group.
Barry Cleavin (b. 1939) Born Dunedin, based in Christchurch. Printmaker. Studied (1963–1966) and later taught at University of Canterbury SFA (1978–1990). Known for surreal and satirical works. Artist-in-residence in NZ and Australia with exhibitions overseas.
Philip Clairmont (1949–1984) Expressionist painter and printmaker. Studied at University of Canterbury SFA. Worked in figurative forms fragmented into abstraction, influenced by Van Gogh and Francis Bacon. Known for hallucinatory energy; experimented alongside Tony Fomison.
Shane Cotton (b. 1964) NgātiPuhi, NgātiRangi, Ngāti Hine. Painter and mixed-media artist. Studied at University of Canterbury SFA in the 1980s. Explores Māori and colonial history, symbolism, and cultural intersections in NZ.
Dee (Denise) Copland (b. 1952) Printmaker. Born Timaru. Studied graphic design at Christchurch Polytechnic and attended University of Canterbury SFA. Based in Christchurch. Themes include ecology and environmental concerns.
Neil Dawson (b. 1948) Born Christchurch. Studied at University of Canterbury SFA and Melbourne. Creates site-specific sculptures (public, corporate, and private), using stainless steel and aluminium. Designed large works for Sydney Olympics (2000).
Jule Einhorn (b. 1945) Printmaker, graphic designer, and photographer. Studied in Wellington, New York, Mexico, and at University of Canterbury SFA (1976–1977). Directed Gingko Workshop and Gallery, Christchurch (1980–1990). Lecturer at Canterbury and Lincoln Universities.
Jacqueline Fahey (b. 1929) Born Timaru. Painter and novelist. Graduated from University of Canterbury SFA (1953). Narrative painter with feminist themes. Lectured in art; President of NZ Society of Sculptors Association (1984–1985).
Tony Fomison (1939–1990) Born Christchurch. Studied at University of Canterbury SFA (1956–1960). Assistant ethnologist at Canterbury Museum (1962). Figurative painter exploring myths, legends, and distorted figures. Lived among Polynesian communities in Auckland.
John Bevan Forde (b. 1930) Ngāti Raukawa ki Kāpiti. Born Christchurch. Māori painter, printmaker, sculptor. Exhibited in USA and London. Commissioned by Netherlands government to commemorate Abel Tasman’s sighting of NZ.
Dick Frizzell (b. 1943) Born Auckland. Studied at University of Canterbury SFA (1960–1964). Known for pop culture imagery, humour, and commercial art background (including Chesdale Cheese men animations).
Rudi (Rudolf) Gopas (1917–1983) German-born expressionist painter. Arrived in NZ (1949), settled Christchurch. Influential art teacher at Canterbury SFA (1959–1978). Harbour scenes (1955–1970) and later astronomy-inspired abstracts.
Jeffrey Harris (b. 1949) Born Akaroa. Interested in German expressionism and Albrecht Dürer. Work explores relationships, autobiography, and symbolism. Lived in Melbourne (1986), later returned to Dunedin.
Pat Hanly (1932–2004) Studied at University of Canterbury SFA (1952–1956). Painter and printmaker known for vibrant murals, stained-glass designs (Christchurch Town Hall), and socially engaged work.
Bill Hammond (b. 1947) Born Christchurch, based in Lyttelton. Studied at Canterbury SFA (1966–1968). Surreal imagery featuring birds, referencing history and ornithology (Sir Walter Buller). Participated in Sub-Antarctic project (1989).
Margaret Hudson-Ware (b. 1938) Born and based in Christchurch. Graduate of University of Canterbury SFA (1959). Expressionist painter of figures and biblical imagery, addressing 20th-century social issues.
Saskia Leek (b. 1970) Born Christchurch. Graduated University of Canterbury SFA (1992). Paintings reflect childhood memories and pop culture influences, with comic-like qualities.
Doris Lusk (1916–1969) Born Dunedin, later based Christchurch. Painter of regionalist/nationalist styles (1930s–1940s). Taught at University of Canterbury SFA (1967–1981) and served as CSA President.
Euan Macleod (b. 1956) Born Christchurch. Studied graphic design (Christchurch Technical College) and painting at Canterbury SFA (1977–1979). Figurative painter; moved to Australia (1981).
Allen Maddox (b. 1948) UK-born abstract expressionist. Moved to NZ (1963). Attended Canterbury SFA (1967–1968). Known for grid-like works using the “X” motif.
Kathryn Maddill (b. 1951) Graduated University of Canterbury SFA (1971). Printmaker exploring theatrical and dreamlike female imagery. Collaborated with poet Bernadette Hall. Visited Antarctica (2004).
Colin McCahon (1919–1987) Born Timaru. Visionary painter influencing post-war NZ modernism. Landscapes with biblical texts and poetry. Associated with The Group. International retrospectives include the Netherlands.
Trevor Moffit (b. 1936) Born Southland, settled Christchurch. Studied at Canterbury SFA. Narrative painter of NZ social history. Full-time painter from 1987.
Julia Morison (b. 1952) Painter and installation artist. Studied in Wellington and Canterbury SFA (1973–1975). Known for mixed media incorporating symbolism, Kabbalah, and esoteric themes.
Buck Nin (1942–1996) Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa. Hamilton-based. Graduate of Canterbury SFA (1965). Explored Māori and Chinese heritage. Studied further in Hawai’i and Texas.
Alan Pearson (b. 1929) Born England, emigrated NZ (1954). Studied in Wellington and Canterbury SFA (1961). Abstract, figurative, expressionist painter and portraitist.
Matt Pine (b. 1941) TeAtiHaunui-a-Paparangi, TeAti Awa, NgātiTūwharetoa. Abstract sculptor. Studied at Canterbury SFA, Auckland, and London. Work focuses on minimalism and deconstruction.
Don Peebles (b. 1922) Artist and teacher. Served in WWII. Studied in Florence, Wellington, Sydney. Senior Lecturer at Canterbury SFA (1964–1982). Abstract acrylic painter and constructor.
Seraphine Pick (b. 1964) Born North Island. Graduate of Canterbury SFA. Figurative and representational painter exploring memory, sexuality, identity, and fantasy.
Pauline Rhodes (b. 1937) Christchurch-born sculptor and installation artist. Studied ceramics in Nigeria (1965) and Canterbury SFA (1972–1974). Known for outdoor site-specific works.
Peter Robinson (b. 1965) NgāiTahu. Born Ashburton. Studied Canterbury SFA and Christchurch College of Education. Mixed-media artist exploring Māori and Pākehā heritage.
Bill Sutton (1917–2000) Born Canterbury. Landscape and portrait painter. Head of Painting, Canterbury SFA (1950). Member of The Group.
Grant Takle (b. 1962) Born Christchurch. Graduate of Canterbury SFA. Painter and sculptor exploring colonial history.
Philip Trusttum (b. 1940) Born North Island. Abstract painter and printmaker. Studied Canterbury SFA (1961–1963). Known for texture-driven works; lived in Waimate (1987), now Christchurch.
Ronnie van Hout (b. 1962) Born Christchurch. Studied Canterbury SFA (1980–1982). Painter, sculptor, photographer, installation artist. Known for conceptual and pop-culture inspired art.
Gordon Walters (1919–1995) Born Wellington. Influenced by Klee, Mondrian, and surrealists. Explored Māori rock art with Theo Schoon. Pioneered abstract Koru series (1964–1980s).
Toss Woollaston (1910–1998) Born North Island. Pioneer of NZ modern art. Studied at Canterbury SFA and Dunedin. Influenced by Hofmann school (Munich, 1934). Member of The Group. Expressionist landscapes and portraits.