An embrace of both what we hold close and what lies over the horizon – the myriad lifeforms, energies and unfathomed imaginative potential of this great oceanic region. The new, expanded edition of Gregory O'Brien's book Always Song in the Water includes a chapter about the exhibition of the same name – shown at the New Zealand Maritime Museum – featuring works of over 40 artists and several new works commissioned for the show.
Starting in Northland and venturing into the expansive unknown, Always Song in the Water captures a series of encounters and moments of insight, navigating Aotearoa’s oceanic imagination.
Throughout the book, Gregory O’Brien employs a metaphorical dinghy to explore the outskirts of New Zealand, embarking on a journey from a road trip through Northland to an exploration of the Pacific. The book draws inspiration from creative figures like Janet Frame, Ralph Hotere, Robin White, John Pule, and Epeli Hau‘ofa.
- Pages: 296
- Dimensions: 240mm x 175mm
Meet Gregory O'Brien Born in Matamata in 1961, Gregory O'Brien is a prolific poet, artist, and non-fiction writer. He curated City Gallery Wellington exhibitions (1997-2009) and engaged with the 'Kermadec' art initiative after a 2011 Raoul Island voyage, with exhibitions worldwide. An Arts Foundation laureate, O'Brien got the 2013 Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement and an honorary doctorate from Victoria University in 2017. Recent works include "House and Contents" (2022) and "Don Binney: Flight Path" (Oct 2023).
