Murray Davies (1947-2020) was a significant New Zealand painter, known for his distinctive large-scale landscape paintings, often depicting the wide-open spaces of New Zealand, particularly regions such as the Canterbury Plains and Mackenzie Country. His style is characterized by a meticulous technique, a subdued color palette, and a strong sense of order and stillness. His works convey a sense of isolation and a metaphysical quality, transforming familiar scenes into timeless and contemplative spaces. A key moment in his early career was being awarded the prestigious Frances Hodgkins Fellowship in 1974, a recognition that solidified his position in the national art scene. Throughout his career, Davies became a significant figure in contemporary New Zealand art, and his paintings are held in the collections of major national institutions, including Te Papa Tongarewa and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.