Reuben Paterson studied at Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, where he developed a passion for using glitter as a medium. In 1997, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and became the first Māori recipient of the Möet et Chandon Arts Fellowship, which took him to France.

Paterson’s work blends his Māori heritage with his upbringing, often incorporating paisley, koru designs, and extensive use of glitter. His notable creations include The Golden Bearing (2015), a life-size golden tree sculpture, and glitter-covered GAYTMs for ANZ Bank’s support of the Sydney Mardi Gras and marriage equality. He has exhibited internationally, including at the Asia Pacific Triennial and collaborated with Cook Islands artist Tungane Broadbent. A winner of the Wallace Arts Trust Development Award in 2005, Paterson was also a judge for the 2022 National Contemporary Art Awards.

Inspired by light, spirituality, and his personal experiences, Paterson’s work often incorporates materials like glitter, diamond dust, and theatre foil.

📸 Manymanydogs - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149500213

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