Colin McCahon

Colin McCahon (1919–1987) is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s most influential modern artists. Born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin, McCahon studied briefly at the Dunedin School of Art before forging his own distinctive style. His early landscapes, stark and spiritual, reflected a deep connection to the New Zealand environment and a desire to express universal themes through a local lens.

From the late 1940s onward, McCahon began incorporating text and religious symbolism into his work, exploring questions of faith, mortality, and human purpose. Series such as The Wake, Victory Over Death 2, and The Lark’s Song demonstrate his powerful use of language and bold abstraction. His paintings often challenge viewers to reflect on moral and spiritual concerns, delivered through a uniquely New Zealand visual language.

Alongside his art-making, McCahon was a curator and educator, notably at Auckland Art Gallery, where he influenced both public collections and a new generation of artists. His commitment to the idea of art as a form of communication helped shift New Zealand’s cultural landscape, making his work foundational to the country’s modern art history.

Today, McCahon’s work is held in all major public collections, including Te Papa Tongarewa and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. The McCahon House Trust preserves his legacy and supports contemporary artists through its residency programme. In the art market, McCahon's work is highly sought after.