Mccahon exhibition to showcase rarely seen works

Soon Kiwis will have the chance to see a rarely seen part of New Zealand's artistic history, thanks to an upcoming Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki's exhibition: A Place to Paint: Colin McCahon in Auckland.  The exhibition, opening on Saturday August 10, traces McCahon's development over the 30 years he lived in Auckland. A Place to Paint: Colin McCahon in Auckland features 25 key paintings drawn from Auckland Art Gallery's collection, as well as from private holdings, and includes works that have rarely been seen. Auckland Art Gallery Director Kirsten Paisley said McCahon's contribution to art in New Zealand was immense. READ MORE *Colin McCahon exhibition showcases his Maori works * The Colin McCahon artwork at the Dowse Museum you are not likely to see * Colin McCahon paintings sells for $1.3 million * Peter Dornauf: Colin McCahon's works are so much more than about money "Not only was he a leading painter, but also an influential teacher, curator and critic," Paisley said.  "We are excited to share this exhibition, which presents an in-depth look at some of McCahon's most important art works – paintings that continue to resonate with us a century after his birth." The exhibition marks the first public display of painted windows from the Convent Chapel of the Sisters of our Lady of the Missions, Remuera. Completed by McCahon in 1965, the 13 glass panels came from the decommissioned chapel and were gifted by the Sisters to the people of Auckland in 1989. The windows will be displayed with digital renderings of how they first appeared when installed in the Chapel. Shifting north in 1953, from Christchurch to Titirangi in West Auckland, McCahon's physical relocation meant a move away from figurative paintings based on Bible stories and towards work reflective of his immediate environment - West Auckland.  Over the subsequent 30 years, his painting reflected local places: the kauri forest surrounding his house at French Bay; the factory roofs of the inner city; the sun moving over the Waitakeres; and the gannet colony at Muriwai.  Exhibition details A Place to Paint: Colin McCahon in Auckland When: Saturday August 10 to Monday January 27 2020, 10am – 5pm daily Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki Admission: Free with Gallery entry