Private Collection since 1978

Buck Nin Ngati Ruakawa, Ngati Toa became a major force in the contemporary Maori art movement with his strongly individual style of painting, his teaching, approachability and will to work with people from all walks of life. He had considerable intellect and energy. The imagery in the work of Buck Nin is drawn from Maori carving, weaving and rafter patterns, often set against the backdrop of a minimalist landscape. These patterns spread across the picture plane like a sacred cloak, warming, embracing and caressing the earth.

Nin floated the imagery of Maori carvings across the land claiming spiritual ownership. When he died Maoridom lost one of its greatest sons.

Nin taught art at Hamilton College for more than twenty years. He graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1965, later gaining a Masters in Education from the University of Hawaii, then a Doctorate in Fine Arts from Texas Technical University. In the 1970s he tirelessly campaigned to raise the profile of Maori art. Dr Buck Nin’s work was inspired by both his Maori and Chinese ancestry. His work is in the collections of University of Hawaii, Te Papa, The New Dowse, Manawatu Art Gallery, COCA, Aigantighe Art Museum, Rotorua Museum of Art and History and Waikato Museum of Art and History.

A Joint Exhibition by Buck Nin & Susan Poff Maori land Paintings, etchings & Silkerie Antipodes Gallery, 14-25 November 1978