Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi is proud to present Traverse, a new exhibition by illustrator Ross Murray. It comprises a collection of giclée prints that feature a range of celebrated scenic locations, including new works honouring Eastern Bay of Plenty sites.

Ross is based in Mount Maunganui. After studying graphic design he worked as an in-house artist at an Auckland ad agency. These days he’s most well-known for his colourful comic book-inspired artwork and his vintage travel-style illustrations.

Aotearoa was the first country to dedicate a government department to tourism. The highly graphic art designed with tourism in mind has played an iconic role in New Zealand's art history, tourism industry and sense of national identity. It is simultaneously a piece of our cultural heritage and a commercial commodity. Ross Murray’s travel artwork fits into this tradition. His work has featured in exhibitions and galleries and adorns commercial products from postcards to tea towels. 

To complement the exhibition, Ross has designed line versions of his Traverse prints for Whakatāne locals of all ages to colour in. Te Koputu Curator Exhibitions Sarah Hudson says Ross has composed some beautiful illustrations for this purpose. 

"This hands-on element offers a chance for our community to come and get creative with their own colour combinations."

Traverse opens at Te Koputu on Saturday, 17 August and runs until 26 October.

Find out more about the exhibition on the Whakatāne Museum and Arts website.