"This new book explores the different perspectives that have helped shape the current directions in New Zealand painting, including neo-expressionism, recent forms of abstraction and colour painting, the 'new figuration', and the bi-cultural contribution of contemporary Maori painting." "Professor Dunn provides an introductory overview of the contemporary art scene in New Zealand and follows it with profiles of both established painters and exciting younger artists who are now making their mark in different ways. The book makes particular mention of the work of Maori painters who address important social issues in their art."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved