There are certain images, art objects and art styles that have embedded themselves in the consciousness of many New Zealanders - we may not know the artist but we know the work. They have, in effect, become an important part of the common visual currency of the country.

Author Oliver Stead has had the difficult task of not only selecting 40 of these iconic works but putting them into a context of New Zealand art history. There are certain images, art objects and art styles that have embedded themselves in the consciousness of many New Zealanders - we may not know the artist but we know the work. They have, in effect, become an important part of the common visual currency of the country.

Author Oliver Stead has had the difficult task of not only selecting 40 of these iconic works but putting them into a context of New Zealand art history.But what is it about these images that have insinuated them into our visual vocabulary?

This is more than just an art history book. In explaining why each of the 40 works was chosen, Oliver Stead takes us on a fascinating exploration through our changing cultural and social history, and how it impacts on our art, from pre-European contact through to the 21st century.

Many are visual demonstrations of political statements of the day such as Te Rauparaha's emphatically signed Deed of Sale of Part of Cloudy Bay and Two Men of the 65th Regiment by Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky. Some, like Sun Shall Not Burn Thee by Don Binney and Portrait of Betty Curnow by Rita Angus are exquisite examples of our most celebrated artists. Others, such as McCahon's Victory over Death 2 have attained an almost celebrity-like fame which ensures their continued appearance in published media.

Art Icons of New Zealand is a fascinating exploration of art, culture and identity.

An introductory essay sets out the basis for the selection and then each artwork has a double page spread featuring a brief essay on the artist and the work depicted.

About the author:

Oliver Stead studied Art History at the University of Auckland, and later at the University of Otago where he completed a PhD on the New Zealand-born art dealer and collector Sir Rex Nan Kivell. Oliver has most recently been Head of Collection Management at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and was previously Registrar at Dunedin Public Art Gallery. He has been privileged to work with many of New Zealand's leading artists and cultural figures and has enjoyed many wonderful experiences in his career as a museum manager. As the son of CK Stead, Oliver grew up surrounded by artists and writers who shared a passionate belief in the creativity of New Zealanders, born out of the country's unique social and geographical character. He is married to the designer Virginia Stead and lives Auckland.

Art Icons of New Zealand By Oliver Stead

Published by David BAteman Ltd, late October 2008

rrp$49.99. Full Colour hardback

02/10/08