Melvin Day

New Zealand painter and historian

Melvin Day - Artists & Creatives born 1923
Born

1923
103 years ago

Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

New Zealand

Links & References

An accomplished painter and historian focused on New Zealand's artistic landscape. Specialization in traditional Māori art and contemporary New Zealand painting marked significant contributions. Worked as a lecturer in the School of Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury, influencing a generation of artists. Published various texts on art history and its context in New Zealand, enriching the understanding of the country's cultural identity.

Published works on New Zealand's art history

Lectured at the University of Canterbury

Contributed to the promotion of Māori art

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