The Friends are delighted to invite you to a preview afternoon of the new exhibition Modern Living: Design in 1950s New Zealand before it opens to the general public on 22 August.
The 1952 Auckland exhibition Art and Design introduced New Zealanders to a vision for a more equal, happier way of life that grew from the devastation of World War II. Modern Living offers a lens into this ground-breaking exhibition, and an exciting era of new design in Aotearoa. Explore a diverse range of design objects from the period that are sure to spark nostalgia and inspire delight of all ages. We’re so lucky to be joined by Co-Curators Justine Olsen and Lizzie Bisley, who will be holding pop up talks in the exhibition at 2pm and 5pm which will give some quick insights into the exhibition as a whole.
Lizzie Bisley (Curator Modern Art) specialises in modern art and design, particularly from the years between 1920 and 1950. She has worked extensively on European and American modernism, and is currently researching contemporary New Zealand art of the interwar period.
Justine Olsen’s (Curator Decorative Art & Design) expertise lies in decorative arts and design, with particular reference to New Zealand, both historical and contemporary. Current research includes New Zealand’s contribution to modernism during the 1950s. The ideas behind this exhibition lay in research for the Te Papa publication Crafting Aotearoa: a cultural history of making in New Zealand and the wider Moana Oceania.
This event is exclusively for Friends of Te Papa members.
Tickets are not available as this event has passed.