Artist Sam Mathers gets his motor running with first of its kind collaboration

A Hamilton car showroom is the latest setting to display a collection of new paintings by renowned Raglan artist Sam Mathers.

Visitors to Duncan and Ebbett will be the first to see Mathers' new collection of more than 20 artworks in a collaboration between art and motoring billed as the first of its kind in New Zealand.

The three-day exhibition, from September 19 to 21, will showcase Mathers' work among the fleet of Volvo cars highly praised for their aesthetically pleasing form and innovative vehicle design.

The artworks, which carry Mathers' signature nautical theme, are said to be a natural fit for the prestigious car manufacturer's brand and the exhibition promises to be fun, quirky and inspirational.

"There's definitely element of serendipity in my work," says Mathers. "I work with a lot of layers and sanding, and that dynamic is really noticeable with this new collection. What's great about exhibiting in a car showroom is that visitors will be able to see the detail of the work really closely in a different and probably more relaxed environment."

The exhibition runs from Thursday, September 19 to Saturday, September 21 at Duncan and Ebbett, Cnr Maahanga Drive and Te Kowhai Road, The Base, Hamilton. Visitors are also invited to the opening of the exhibition on September 19 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.