The Desire of the Line

Presenting a less-known side of a well-known artist, this collection of Ralph Hotere's line drawings and paintings of women was done between 1959 and the late 1990s. The collection is divided into two bodies of work: the Woman Series and the Song Cycle. As its name suggests, the Woman Series is composed of line drawings of nude women; and the Song Cycle was originally drawn for a stage performance in 1975 and suggests movement and sound.

"One day someone will get together an exhibition of Hotere's 'Woman' drawings—and it'll be one of the great shows." —Bill Manhire, former poet laureate

Kriselle Baker is writing her PhD thesis on Ralph Hotere's work. Ralph Hotere is one of New Zealand's foremost contemporary artists.