Colin McCAHON<br /> <em>A letter to Hebrews (Rain in Northland)</em> 1979 (detail)<br /> synthetic polymer paint on 6 sheets of paper<br /> (a-f) 73.0 x 110.2 cm (image and sheet) (each)<br /> Colin McCahon Online Catalogue cm001304<br /> National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne<br /> Presented through The Art Foundation of Victoria in memory of the Reverend Stan Brown by the Reverend Ian Brown, Fellow, 1984<br /> P6.a-f-1984<br /> © Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust

Colin McCahon

Letters and Numbers

Free entry

NGV International

Level 3, Contemporary Art & Design

14 Nov 19 – 8 Jul 20

NGV COLLECTION

2019 marks the centenary of the birth of Colin McCahon (1919-1987). Widely regarded as the most influential New Zealand artist of the 20th century, McCahon developed a singular vision over a career of more than four decades. His unique contribution to twentieth-century art is distinguished by his characteristic use of painted text, relentless exploration of religious ideas and integration of aspects of international modernism to the local regional context. McCahon’s inventive and deeply personal visual language traversed a complex territory addressing themes and subjects including Christian and Māori spirituality, emotional and symbolic journeys, the landscape, environmental concerns and the expressive potential of numbers and words.

Colin McCahon: Letters and Numbers explores McCahon’s significance through a close examination of works in the collection of the NGV. The exhibition also provides insights into the artist’s early connection with the NGV. McCahon’s first trip outside New Zealand was to Melbourne in 1951 to study paintings in the NGV collection, a pivotal moment in his career.

The exhibition includes all works by Colin McCahon in the NGV Collection.

Exhibition labels

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Colin McCAHON
A letter to Hebrews (Rain in Northland) 1979
synthetic polymer paint on 6 sheets of paper
(a-f) 73.0 x 110.2 cm (image and sheet) (each)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented through The Art Foundation of Victoria in memory of the Reverend Stan Brown by the Reverend Ian Brown, Fellow, 1984
P6.a-f-1984
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCAHON
One 1965
synthetic polymer paint and polyvinyl acetate on composition board
60.9 x 60.9 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of Mr Robert Raynor AM, Honorary Life Benefactor, 1999
1999.324
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCAHON
I applied my mind 1982
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
195.2 x 180.7 cm irreg.
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Loti & Victor Smorgon Fund, 2012
2012.20
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCAHON
The five wounds of Christ no. 1 1977-1978
synthetic polymer paint on canvas
235.5 x 298.5 cm irreg.
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, NGV Foundation with the assistance of Dame Jennifer Gibbs and the proceeds of the 2011 National Gallery of Victoria Annual Dinner, 2012
2012.192
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCAHON
Poetry isn't in my words... 1969
from the Written paintings and drawings series
blue pastel and pastel wash on brown paper
157.4 x 55.3 cm irreg. (image and sheet)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of the Reverend Ian Brown in memory of Annie Christina Brown, 2009
2009.161
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCAHON
O Lord I will be mindful of thy justice done 1969
from the Written paintings and drawings series
pastel wash and oil pastel on brown paper
156.5 x 55.4 cm (image and sheet)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of the Reverend Ian Brown in memory of Annie Christina Brown, 2009
2009.160
© Colin McCahon Research and Publication Trust
Colin McCahon | Letters and Numbers