Artist gifts a NZ painting to Hillary Clinton

Leading contemporary artist gifts a NZ painting to Hillary Clinton

Leading New Zealand artist Lisa Wisse today had one of her NZ scene paintings gifted to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a special reception in Christchurch today.

Wisse is renowned for her modern depiction of New Zealand landscape including pohutukawa and cabbage trees. She attended a function at the Antarctic Centre near Christchurch Airport today after giving the $6000 painting to Clinton.

``The special painting featured tranquil waters which I thought was symbolic of the closer ties between New Zealand and the US following the Wellington Declaration this week.

``One of her people said Senator Clinton would have the painting hanging on the wall of her office when she returned home. They said she would write me a letter thanking me for the New Zealand painting.

``I hope she links this painting to her trip to New Zealand this week as an offering of the strategic partnership and pact that was signed this week. It’s about peacefully moving forward. That’s what New Zealand is all about.’’

Wisse has been one of New Zealand’s most prolific artists of the last 10 years. She has exhibited her work throughout New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK and also has her paintings among private collections in New York, Australia and the UK.

She will soon open an exhibition of her works at a major Christchurch venue later this month.

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