The Rata Group

2 April 2007

The Rata buying collective was established in 1997, by 20 women, whose aim was to explore contemporary New Zealand art and acquire works for each member’s enjoyment.

By regularly interchanging them over the 10-year period, each member enjoyed experiencing many different types and styles of work. The group took pleasure in attending exhibitions, artists’ talks and events over the years and collectively and individually has learnt a great deal about contemporary art. The collection was auctioned by Webb's in April 2007. more ...

Forthcoming auctions
31 JUL 12	Important Paintings & Contemporary Art

Max Gimblett
Lute
Realised: $12,000 - View detail

Previous Sale Highlights:

Graham Fletcher
Wallflowers
880 x 880mm
Realised: $7,500 - April 2007

View detail

Stephen Bambury
Like Density Colour is a Reality in Itself
390 x 780mm
Realised: $7,500 - April 2007

View detail

Richard McWhannell
Supplicant Morning
660 x 785mm
Realised: $11,000 - April 2007

View detail

Richard McWhannell
Stumped
600 x 896mm
Realised: $11,500 - April 2007

View detail

Seraphine Pick
Untitled
455 x 610mm
Realised: $9,000 - April 2007

View detail

Paul Dibble
Reclining Figure
480 x 240 x 160mm
Realised: $10,000 - April 2007

View detail

Michael Shepherd
Handbill
373 x 395mm
Realised: $10,500 - April 2007

View detail

Michael Hight
Sonora Creek
700 x 1100mm
Realised: $11,000 - April 2007

View detail

The group functioned over the years with a rotating managing committee, including a buying panel, with a full group meeting on a monthly basis. The funding of the group acquisitions was by way of annual contribution. On average, between 3 or 4 paintings or sculptures were acquired each year, resulting in a total collection of 21 paintings and 10 small sculptures.

Common themes were prevalent throughout the collection: figuration, abstraction and a strong showing of small sculptural objects. Mediums ranged from bronze to glass to aluminium and styles from the attenuated figurative elegance of the Terry Stringer through to the strong geometric shapes of Marte Szirmay.