Artworks offer window on NZ

By Louisa Cleave

World leaders confined to a windowless meeting room during the Apec leaders' retreat will at least be able to view New Zealand landscape paintings.

The artworks hung at the Auckland Museum for the Monday meeting will be among more than 120 paintings, sculptures and photographs displayed in meeting rooms, leaders' hotel suites and the Auckland Town Hall during the summit.

The Wintergarden in the Domain will showcase works by Colin McCahon.

All works are on loan from the artists, galleries or private collectors.

One artist refused to take part because of disapproval of Apec.

Art patron Jenny Gibbs, chairwoman of the committee set up to choose the artworks and personal gifts for dignitaries, said it was important for the delegates to feel they were in New Zealand and not just another hotel or conference room.

"We want them to feel that wherever they go in the venues they are in New Zealand.

"Everybody involved in Apec is under pressure to put New Zealand forward in the best light possible," she said.

At the Carlton Hotel, where Prime Minister Jenny Shipley will welcome leaders on Sunday, Mrs Gibbs and her committee have created a journey through New Zealand's art history.

It ranges from early photographs of Maori moko to photographs reflecting contemporary culture.

Pacific Island art, in the form of tapa cloths hanging in the grand ballroom, and Asia-Pacific artists are also represented.

Mrs Shipley was the only leader who had a say in the artworks placed in her suite.

"She has definite views about what she likes and dislikes," Mrs Gibbs said.

"She wanted to make sure there were women artists and she wanted to showcase the best of New Zealand."

Mrs Shipley's suite includes paintings by Ralph Hotere and Gordon Walters, and bright blue and orange glass bowls by Ann Robinson.