George D. Valentine. A Nineteenth Century photographer in New Zealand

31 March 2004

Capturing a unique moment in New Zealand’s history and some of the country’s most celebrated geographical features – the famed Pink and White Terraces – George D. Valentine. A Nineteenth Century photographer in New Zealand provides a remarkable insight into the forces that have shaped the land and our nation.

This extraordinary touring exhibition of George D. Valentine (1852–1890) uncovers one of New Zealand’s foremost nineteenth century photographers, outstanding for his artistic and technical skills, as well as for the timing of his photographic efforts.

The exhibition of 30 framed photographic works and a number of other works and supporting material  is developed and toured by the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, in association with Ngai Tahu Development and Nga Kaumatua o Tuhourangi – Whakarewarewa, Rotorua. A biography of the artist, ‘George D. Valentine. A Nineteenth Century photographer in New Zealand’, written by exhibition curator Ken Hall, is also being published nationwide.

Although it was ill-health that compelled Valentine to emigrate from Scotland to New Zealand in 1884, according to Ken Hall, George D. Valentine wasted little time in his new environment in exercising his artistic skills.

“In 1885, spending a week at ‘The Warm Lake’ Rotomahana, Valentine created an unparalleled series of images of Otukapuarangi and Te Tarata – the celebrated Pink and White Terraces,” says Ken Hall.

In 1886, as a result of the devastating eruption of Mount Tarawera, the Terraces were destroyed and at least 108 lives were lost. Valentine returned to an almost unrecognisable landscape, and in his remaining few years sought out extraordinary landscapes to match his interests and talents.

“While the subject-matter of Valentine’s photographs holds obvious fascination, the artistic quality of this work is exceptionally strong,” says Ken Hall. “There are many images here that will remain with the viewer.”

The exhibition presents aspects of his background and story to enhance appreciation of the works, most of which have not been exhibited, or published, since the artists lifetime.

“For many, this exhibition will be a new experience; an extraordinary encounter with the power of the photographic medium, and with early photography in particular.”

George D. Valentine: A Nineteenth Century Photographer in New Zealand is opening in Touring Gallery C, ground floor, from 2 April to 27 June. This is a national touring exhibition developed and toured by the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, in association with Ngai Tahu Development and Nga Kaumatua o Tuhourangi – Whakarewarewa, Rotorua.

Christchurch Art Gallery ~ Media Releases index