Te Papa
With Te Papa Curator Modern Art Lizzie Bisley
Rita Angus was a committed pacifist
She believed that women could build a peaceful, creative society. Her ‘Goddess’ paintings embody these ideas.
Rutu (goddess painting) (1951) by Rita AngusTe Papa
'Rutu' is one of three goddesses
The goddesses were painted by Angus after World War II. She saw them as symbols of a peaceful, multicultural future in the Pacific – led by women.
Although Rutu looks strikingly similar to Rita Angus, she did not consider it a self-portrait.
With blonde hair,
blue eyes,
and brown skin,
Rutu is Angus' vision of a future New Zealander – one who is both Māori and Pākehā (European New Zealander).
It is an idealised vision, defined by Angus’s experiences as a Pākehā artist.
'Rutu' is full of signs and symbols.
These fish represent Angus’ astrological sign – Pisces.
The waterlily refers to Ancient Egypt, a society which Angus associated with feminism and women’s equality.
Rutu is in close communion with the natural world.
Lush plants grow behind her
and the Pacific ocean stretches to the horizon.
Above Rutu’s head, an enormous sun forms a golden halo.
Angus was devoted to this painting and never sold it.
She saw it as her most important work.
Text by Te Papa curators Lizzie Bisley and Hanahiva Rose, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2022.
All images reproduced courtesy of the Estate of Rita Angus.
