The millwheel (1942)

Frances Mary Hodgkins (28 April 1869 – 13 May 1947) was a celebrated painter from New Zealand, chiefly known for her landscapes and still life pieces. Raised in Dunedin, New Zealand, she showed an aptitude for art from a young age, shaped by her family’s artistic background and the natural surroundings of her homeland. Many of her early paintings portrayed New Zealand’s scenery and daily life, though she would ultimately achieve international recognition for her distinctive style and inventive techniques.

Hodgkins began her artistic journey in New Zealand but relocated to Europe in 1901. She first arrived in London, before spending periods in France, Italy, and other parts of the continent. Over the years, she drew upon a wide range of artistic movements, moving from traditional watercolours toward more modernist subjects and methods. This transformation became particularly marked after she established herself in England, where her paintings started to draw the attention of leading galleries and collectors.

Hodgkins’s career included a noteworthy episode in textile design. In the early 1920s, she joined the Calico Printers’ Association in Manchester and created fabric patterns. Engaging in this field gave her the chance to explore abstract shapes and vibrant, expressive colors, elements that would enhance her painting and solidify her modernist identity.

Today, Frances Hodgkins stands as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished and influential painters. Her reputation is most closely linked to the work she produced during her time in Europe, particularly in England, where she became a significant presence in British avant-garde circles. Her artwork is marked by dynamic compositions and a vivid color palette, qualities which continue to fascinate and move audiences around the globe.