Reuben Paterson

Paterson’s work revolves around the relationships we have with our bodies, desires, and cultures—and those we share or negotiate with others. Made in celebration of exchange and encounter, hybridity and fluidity, spirituality and sexuality, his work is attuned to the dynamics of queer identity and whakapapa-based modes of cultural knowledge. He incorporates formal painting properties of sharp lines and ornate detail with specially commissioned glitter colours to elicit curiosity and joy. His use of traditional motifs produces works that link to memories of our recent and ancient pasts; memories that are visceral, tangible and intangible.

Paterson graduated from the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts in 1997, following which he was awarded a residency in France as part of the prestigious Moet & Chandon Art Fellowship. Paterson has undertaken major public sculpture commissions and international exhibitions, including the Prague Biennial and Centro de Arte Caja De Burgos, Spain; The Cambridge Museum, England; and the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, Australia.