Treasures of the Underworld was an exhibition featured in the New Zealand pavilion of Seville Expo '92.
The artists who contributed works were: The theme of the commissions was the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to America.
This emphasis on voyage and discovery influenced the artists to explore the connections with New Zealand and the familiar world of the South Pacific.
James Mack urged each artist to stretch both materials and technique beyond Eurocentric influences.
Ian Fraser the Commissioner at the NZ Expo said We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the response....[2]The work produced for this exhibition has and continues to influence the development of object art in New Zealand.