REUBEN PATERSON

Reuben Paterson is a dynamic young artist known for his creations in glitter and diamond dust. The influence of Paterson's Maori heritage (Ngati Rangitihi) is strong in his earlier works, which focused on kowhaiwhai motifs. Drawing from both his Maori and Scottish ancestry Paterson also combines traditional pattern and design with non-traditional media, reinvigorating and extending Maori expression. Paterson incorporates formal painting properties of sharp line and ornate detail with specially commissioned glitter colours to elicit curiosity and joy. His use of traditional motif produces works that link to memories of our recent and ancient pasts; memories that are visceral, tangible and intangible. More recently Paterson has extended his range subjects to include animals and bird life and his extended his practice to include sculpture; similarly created in his signature glitter style.