Reuben Paterson paints with light, using glitter dust as his medium. “Its’ intrinsic character transcends the everyday, the mundane or the worldly, and now implies the celestial, the spiritual and the celebratory.” (1)

Paterson’s paintings reveal and contain complex genealogy. There are the specifics of kowhaiwhai design and patterning (openly acknowledging his Maori heritage). Just as significantly he references paisley and floral design drawn from the Paterson family life. He forges links between craft and art, between sculpture and fashion, he counter-points symbolism and gesture. He confuses “our notions of past, present and future.” (2)

“He paints huge canvases with swirling glitter curls that represent short journey’s. These expeditions including symbolic, literal, spiritual and metaphorical excursions… through painted glitter panels that contribute to a new and exciting art history.” (3)

1. Rhoda Fowler, “The Wharenui that Dad Built,” Te Tuhi, 2001.
2. David Broker, Eyeline magazine concerning Biennale Noumea, 2000.
3. Ngahiraka Mason, exhibition catalogue, Purangiaho, Auckland Art Gallery 2001.