Biography of Taihape's world acclaimed artist Douglas MacDiarmid launched

Papa cliff pool with bathers, Taihape, 1947, New Zealand, by Douglas MacDiarmid

At almost 96, still living in Paris, New Zealand artist Douglas MacDiarmid is the oldest survivor of his extraordinary generation of creative New Zealanders.

His biography Colours of a Life by niece and journalist Anna Cahill, launched last week, tells the story of the remarkable boy from the small rural town of Taihape.

Somehow the story of MacDiarmid got away from New Zealand art aficiondos because he chose to pursue a global career rather staying home and being a domestic Kiwi lad.

According to the book, MacDiarmid has achieved an international reputation as an expatriate New Zealand painter, long based in France but staying in tune with his homeland.

"He defies labelling, acclaimed particularly as a superb colourist and for the diversity, technique and intellectual rigour of his paintings," the book says.

He is the son of Taihape doctor and surgeon Gordon MacDiarmid and his wife Mary.

He left Taihape as a young boy and never returned to New Zealand.

Just as the diversity of MacDiarmid's paintings has something for everyone, one review describes why this book will appeal to a wide audience:

"Apart from those interested in art, New Zealanders making it abroad, motivational life stories of overcoming the odds, history and cultural change, the biography is expected to attract an enthusiastic readership among art professionals and students, collectors and entities, diplomats, and the still-marginalised gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities."

MacDiarmid hoped his biography would be a positive example to encourage other conflicted people to follow their inclinations and dreams.

"More widely, this book is for anyone looking for inspiration to liberate their potential and dedicate their life to doing what they love. My past is made up of so many different stages, so many different chapters packed with experience that goes from the most ecstatic to the most anguishing,'' he said.