Provenance:

Fletcher Challenge Collection label affixed verso

Exhibited Gabrielle Hope Retrospective Exhibition, John Leech Gallery, 1983

Somewhat belatedly the lively, swiftly painted gouache and watercolours of Gabrielle Hope (1916 - 1962) are attracting the interest and attention they have long deserved. The artist's early death at just forty six years of age cut short a career of already considerable achievement.

Gabrielle Hope was born in Lower Hutt, she attended Auckland's Diocesan School for Girls and studied at Elam School of Fine arts. The mother of two children, she lived in Whitford, Waiheke Island and in 1950 purchased a home in Tohunga Crescent, Parnell. Whilst living in Parnell, Gabrielle's wide circle of friends including fellow artists Helen Brown, Jan Nigro, Louise Henderson, Robert Nettleton Field, Eric Lee Johnson and Lincoln Lee. In 1953 she remarried and the family moved to Milford.

Her subject matter extensively encompasses still lifes, landscapes, figures, animals and portraits. The influence of Picasso, and an admiration of Frances Hodgkins is reflected in Hope's work as is her fascination with western and eastern occult philosophies and symbolism. From 1946 she exhibited with the Auckland and Hamilton Society of Arts and the Auckland City Art Gallery in 1955/56.

From today's perspective Gabrielle Hope's work is more vital and modern than ever. There is an uncompromised bravery of brushstroke, a quality of perception leaving no doubt that she was a woman/artist ahead of her time.