Doris Lusk (1916-90) was a leading exponent of the New Zealand regionalist/modernist landscape school, particularly during the important postwar period when New Zealand artists were grappling with issues of national identity. Lusk’s signature theme was the artificial structure in the landscape, which differentiated her work from the empty, elemental paintings of close friends like Colin McCahon. Indeed, Lusk characterized her landscapes as more ‘involved with the complexity rather than simplicity... of our land.’ As well as landscapes, however, Lusk also produced many portraits. She worked in various media and continued to innovate throughout her career. A longtime member of the Christchurch Group, Lusk also lectured at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts 1966-81.