The Group

The Group was an informal but influential art association formed in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1927. Initially begun by ex-students from Canterbury College of Art, its aim was to provide a freer, more experimental alternative to the academic salon painting exhibitions of the Canterbury Society of Arts. The Group exhibited annually for 50 years, from 1927 to 1977, and it was continuously at the forefront of New Zealand art's avant-garde scene. Many of the country's best-known artists were associated at some time with The Group. Among these are Colin McCahon, Doris Lusk, Toss Woollaston, Rita Angus, Olivia Spencer Bower, Leo Bensemann, Rata Lovell-Smith, Philip Trusttum, and Douglas MacDiarmid. The influence of The Group extended into other areas of New Zealand culture through the collaborations and friendship of members such as the likes of writer and editor Charles Brasch and composer Douglas Lilburn. Its influence was such that it is occasionally referred to as "Bloomsbury South". History The Group was formed in 1927 by seven young graduates of Canterbury College School of Art to challenge conventional and conservative standards of art by showcasing their artistic works free of influence and administration from a larger body. The were Margaret Anderson (later Frankel), Viola Macmillan Brown, Cora Wilding, Evelyn Polson (later Page), Edith Wall, Ngaio Marsh, William H. Montgomery, and Billy Baverstock. Prior to the formation of The Group, artists were to submit their artworks to larger bodies such as Canterbury Society of Arts (CSA) for review and curation before getting approved before selected artworks getting selected to be displayed at exhibitions. The CSA was a large art exhibiting institution at the time with surging membership and high sales.